There is a bird who has taken up residence in our yard, arriving back in the early spring with her mate. A pair of beautiful cardinals, soul mates, I suspect. Their nest is in a tall tree in our back yard not far from a tool shed. They raised their babies this spring, but I have not seen the young ones lately. The female seems to have more time on her hands recently. She is quite chatty, almost obnoxious at times, and does not appear to be afraid of humans — or to speak her mind. Unloading groceries from the trunk of my car, she tries to get my attention, moving closer and closer, quite at ease. When I stop and look at her she tilts her head and stares at me, almost waiting for me to converse with her. When I do say something, she listens for a moment, and then clearly replies. We have gone back and forth a few times, and I hope my neighbors don’t think I have lost my mind talking to a bird in the yard…
Lately I am beginning to think there must be some sort of strange connection I have with this bird — to a past life or person?? I cannot know for sure, but she has so much to say, and I wish I could understand her conversation and message, which is very strong and compelling. Sometimes I wonder if she is simply trying to tell me that sharing one’s voice is so important in our terribly complicated world…
The male partner of this intriguing couple chirps most often in the mornings, making a predictable zigzag pattern about the yard. He is a regular on nearby tree branches. I smile at his warm greetings, soft and melodic, as he sits so close to windows that I could almost reach out and touch him. Sometimes I can see his eyes. They are kind and gentle.
My father always loved birds, especially cardinals, and I wonder if this strange exchange with our bird-neighbors is my dad’s way of reminding me of so many of the important values that he and my mom taught and modeled throughout their long lives. Are these birds to remind me of what matters most in life — treating others in a way that is both special and respectful? Like good neighbors and friends? Taking time to greet, to chat, to show interest and connection, to care…