Tonight I watched a swarm of about 20 birds (don't ask me which ones - I'm terrible when it comes to birds) descend upon my birdbath in the rock garden. I was just noshing on the last few leaves of my salad and suddenly, from out of nowhere, these feathered friends decided to take a bath together. It was fascinating stuff. Some would hang back and wait their turn before jumping in. Others would bully the smaller birds into retreating. I was kinda captivated. For some reason this birdbath gets plenty of avian action. In the morning, just after I've woken up and fed the fur babies their fancy feast, I take a peek out the window and more often than not there is a fat robin or even fatter blue jay splashing around like crazy. I don't know why it makes me happy to see them having so much fun, but it does. Especially when they shake all of the water off. That's the best part. Along with their wet heads. I love it. It's these small moments at either end of my day which grab my attention and hold it. Little reminders, I suppose, that life is full of big and small and in-between moments, and for whatever reason the simple sight of a bird washing its feathers is enough to ease me into or out of that good night.
