Stopping in a shady place for my early breakfast from McDonalds with windows down allowing the morning breeze to enter. . .

Screech, screech, — one lonely crow marching along outside the car. The crow is hoping for a handout.

The screeching continues and soon is joined by 2 other crows who are pleased to allow the first crow to do all the verbalization in request for a handout.

            Interesting behavior – Do we often allow others to do our work for us?

Screech, screech. As I finish my egg Mc Muffin, there is a piece of muffin left. I casually toss it out the car window. There is a mad scramble for the scrap as 2 more crows swoop down from the trees. 

But the screecher comes up as the winner. He tightly holds that piece of muffin in his beak while the others intimidate him hoping to cause a loss of the morsel. No such luck. The winner begins to strut away from the rest of the birds who only follow for a short distance.

            Interesting behavior — Do we humans intimidate when someone refuses to share? Are we selfish?

Finally, the winning bird is alone and drops the morsel allowing for a smaller bite, then two, then three more bites. Satisfied, the bird struts back to the crew.

            Silence. . .but wait. . .

            Out of the trees comes an observant sparrow. What might be found?  A few crumbs on the pavement left by the crow. 

Nothing is wasted it seems. Can we say the same?

Now on my way to an appointment, I was renewed by the birds’ behavior, thoughtful of my musings, and energized by nature all around me.

Go outside some today, tomorrow and every day. What do you see? Does nature speak to you, too?

Robert Lynd has said “In order to see the birds, it is necessary to become a part of the silence.”

Carol Tamparo