We were in the kitchen when we heard the thud against the window. It happens at least once a year, some feathered friend knocks himself silly on the window. My boy Avery walked outside and returned, holding the stunned bird in his hand. We wrapped him in a towel and went outside to find a quiet spot for the bird to recover.
We set him next to a stump in the sun and Avery (the bat) watched over him.
Eventually the bird started to come around, righting himself with effort.
Avery held him gently in his hands and the little bird just sat.
We admired his beautiful olive plumage and the little patch of russet on his head, the exact shade of the dried-up oak leaves in the yard. He had very slender legs and a speckled chest. He was an Ovenbird, named so for the oven-like nest it builds. It was pretty amazing to see this quiet little bird up close and Avery told me that this was "his best moment yet" and that he was proud to hold that bird and help him feel better, even though he did poop on him.
We sat there for quite a long time watching the bird, feeling the sun on our skin, and listening to the hum of the bees visiting the dandelions around us. All that waiting makes a guy a little tired though.
In fact it can wear a guy right out.
We sat a while longer and sister got a chance to meet our friend too.
I was amazed at how gentle and calm both of the kids were.
After a while it became clear that the bird was going to need more recovery time than we were able to give him. By then he was able to hold on to my finger so I placed him on a branch and we let him have some space.
He was still a bit woozy but eventually flew off. Avery is certain that he'll be back to visit. He might be right. He also thinks the bird would love his drawing. I know he's right about that.
My oldest son had a similar encounter with a goldfinch a few years ago and it's something he's remembered fondly. I'm quite certain Avery will feel the same way about his little Ovenbird.
