I only came to say goodbye

Spring had its usual abundance of nesting early birds. Nothing exciting, though to me all special in their own way.

That blackbird who thinks I can't see her on the nest, forever patiently waiting until the coast is clear before delivering food to the ever-gaping brood.

Yet in this bustling world of ours today comes complete pleasure and sadness from one small bird.

At first a cock and a hen with their brood of four that had survivied to fly. For a time we saw but two demanding to be fed, then there were three constantly demanding food at our door, scraps from our door were taken readily.

Then there were four, a much smaller bird had joined them, we made an effort to see this smaller of the brood who having to compete with her three stronger sisters, received her share.

As the weeks passed the stronger of the brood went their separate ways, only our little friend visited each morning for her food. In fact she hardly left us whenever in the garden.

One morning I opened the door she was there but would not eat her food. I could even stroke her feathers and she was unsteady on her feet. I picked her up and placed her in a comfortable position in the potting shed.

She closed her eyes and died. She had only come to say goodbye.