In Memorium

                                                                                                      

This blog was inspired by a tiny ball of golden fluff.  In the autumn of 2009, a puffy, obviously ill female American Goldfinch appeared one morning, perched on the rim of the front yard fountain.  After she had remained there, immobile, for several minutes, I slowly approached, and was amazed when she did not stir. Close observation soon revealed she was alone and shunned from her flock. Yet she did not seem in pain or any sort of distress.  Instead, I knew I was witnessing a bird at the end of her natural life.  Any fear of humans had left.  In fact, she seemed comforted by my presence and content to sit reflectively and gaze into the water, at peace with her predicament.

For three days this sweet  “Little One” kept me company while I worked outside.  Mostly she flew low, or hopped, and ate off the ground, but she never went far from the fountain.  

It’s all too easy to anthropomorphize animals, but I remain convinced that my Little One was aware of her circumstances and was preparing for the end.  I will never know what thoughts crossed her mind but I hope it was contentment with a life well-lived.

On the fourth morning I found her tiny body beneath the fountain. A few days later, another finch arrived at the fountain and the process played out, again. 

The pilgrimage continues each autumn as aging birds, unable to make it through another winter, come to the fountain to peacefully pass their final days.  

Since beginning my adventures in birding, I have learned so much from my feathered friends.  I will never forget Little One, and the others who have come after her, and hope that one day, when my time comes, I can face the end with the same sort of strength, grace and quiet dignity.