Funeral for a Little Bird
Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 06:55PM While sitting at the kitchen table this morning, there was a sudden crash at the window. A bird had flown straight into the glass, despite the decals affixed to prevent just such a mishap. It fluttered on the deck and I rushed out to find the little bird struggling to fly with what appeared to be a broken neck. Knowing it had only moments to live, I gently picked it up and cradled the poor thing in my arms, nestling it into my warm soft sweater. I was just miserable about it, but I tried to be present with the bird, feeling its tiny heartbeat slowing, slowing, slowing as it labored to breathe. After a few deep breaths, it gave a tiny shudder and I felt its spirit leave its body. It seemed the little body grew heavier. I was finally able to examine the bird itself, and realized it was one of my favorites, the gentle Cedar Waxwing. It still held a cedar berry in its beak, and pushing it out, I closed its sharp little hooked beak. Each November, hundreds of birds come to feed on the abundant berries of our Juniperus virginiana 'Burkii', a beautiful blue cultivar of what is commonly called cedar. My husband and I have tried very hard to provide urban habitat for wildlife year-round, and our cedars were intentionally planted although many consider them "weed trees." I find them utterly beautiful, and so many species of birds depend on them for shelter and food. I wrapped the bird and carried it out to the cedar trees and buried it at the very place it had come for sustenance. Death comes unexpectedly for some, slowly for others, in the cycle of Life.
Reader Comments (5)
I came here by way of Blotanical.
What a sweet post. Cedar Waxwings are such pretty birds, epitome of winter.
what sweet post.....
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That was beautiful! Sad but beautiful.... I just realized you are my neighbor... I am not sure how I missed that :) My daughter and I enjoy your yard all the time...
That is so sad yet dear how you held the cedar waxwing. I am always fearing the birds will fly into the glass doors and windows. Our homes are dangerous for the birds. I try to hang red glass balls inside or anything that might let them see the glass is not sky. I saw you on Blotanical. Carol
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