LOOK WHAT THE STORM BROUGHT ME

Here in Texas, the house finch is probably the lowest bird on the totem pole. They get no respect, aren't wanted in the garden, and are generally a pest since they are an invasive species that crowds out our native birds. And yet...

the storm last week brought me a baby sparrow. The high winds knocked down limbs and filled the backyard to the brim.  So I rushed outside to clear a path for the flood. That's when I spotted the tiny bird clutching a twig in the flowing water.

The poor thing was soaked to the bone and shivering when I held it against my warm T-shirt.

Since the electricity was out, I couldn't warm it up with a hairdryer.

Instead I just held the tiny thing in my hand for the next hour.

It fell asleep, but I wasn't sure if it was asleep or dead.

After awhile it started to fluff up and open its eyes.

I was relieved and petted its head.

By now it was MY sparrow from MY garden and I felt I needed to get it back to its momma.

There was a lot of interest from the kittens!

I made a cozy nest for it on the back swing and it didn't even try to fly away.

It just sat there and listened for its mother.

So I stepped back...

...and stepped back.

And then it was gone....gone to its mother.

I miss my little sparrow and after holding one

 I now feel quite differently about them.

And that's what the storm brought me....a memory...and

a tiny life to take care of 

 if just for a moment.

David/:0)