27 Jan, 2010
Moment of bliss #008: Sighting of the spirit bird
Posted by andrea tomkins in: Moments of bliss
This one requires a bit of explanation.
Sometimes I open the front door, lean faaaarr out with a plate or lunch container in hand, and toss its contents into the wind. I’m sure the neighbours wonder what I’m doing.
These bits of buttered bagels and bread crusts usually land under a mature spruce tree which shelters the corner of our home. (At least that’s where I’m aiming.)
In the summertime the girls pretend that its lower branches are the walls and ceiling of a house, and they play there happily. The other added attraction is that it is within earshot of a sidewalk, and they’ve learned that if they’re quiet enough they can eavesdrop on Teenage Conversations (the best kind, apparently, because they’re usually so dramatic).
Last Spring, Mark hung a bird feeder in the arms of that old spruce. We wondered aloud how birdie real estate agents described the locale.
“New listing in great neighborhood! Gorgeous one room bird house sheltered by mature evergreen. Close to food and water. No cats. Perfect for fledglings!”
Sadly, there weren’t any takers. Potential avian residents didn’t seem to think very much of the place. But SOMEONE finds it interesting (although the bird house has since been removed):
I’ve seen this fellow a number of times. I also think the little snoop peeks in our windows.
His feathers are glossy and beautiful; midnight black with a bright sheen. The other night, the moon illuminated the frozen twinkling branches of our neighbour’s tree, and the shiny black sky reminded me of him.
I watch him pop gently around the branches, leaning smartly, deeply, to take a look at the day’s offerings. He cocks his head to the side while he looks downwards. You have to know he is considering something.
It all happens so quietly. He’s as silent as the tree itself.
These guys travel in small flocks of two or three. I wonder if they’re related. When I see one there’s almost always another nearby – father or brother? – perched effortlessly on top of the stop sign or on the telephone wire.
They call to each other. To our ears it is rather raucous, but it means something. Hurry up. So what is it today? Did the old squirrel get to it first? Any peanut butter? See if you can find some rye this time. And no cheese!
Some cultures believe in spirit animals. If that was true, I think my spirit animal would be a crow or a raven: curious, smart, capable of fun and mischief.
I wonder if he’s going to come back?
