The Watcher

Will A. Sanborn

1/4/00

"Are you sure it's okay?"

"Yes, it's fine, I've tried it already."

"But won't he be there?"

"Yes, but he's no problem. Anyway, it's nice to have the food, now that the weather's getting colder."

"I know, but I still don't like it. Why does he watch us like that?"

"I don't know, they're strange. Most of them don't pay any attention to us, but a few just like to look. You'll get used to it soon enough."

"But I'm scared, what if he tries something...?"

"He won't, they never do, they just like to watch. Besides, if he did try anything, we'd be off so quick he could never catch us."

"It still makes me nervous, even from here I can still see him looking at us."

"You'll get used to it, it's no big deal really, and a free meal is a free meal."

With that, the cardinal spread his wings and flew down to the feeder, landing softly on the perch. Pecking at the food with his beak, he swallowed one, then another of the tasty sunflower seeds. All the while he kept on glancing back up at his little friend the chickadee, who was still sitting nervously in the nearby tree. As the moments ticked by, the timid little bird finally mustered up the courage to flit down to the feeder. Moving quickly, he grabbed at one of the precious morsels and then was off just as quick, returning to the safe cover of the tree to eat his treasure. His bashful actions served to please both the larger bird, and also the man who stood there with a smile on his face, as he watched the proceedings from the other side of the window.


Copyright 2000, Will A. Sanborn - was1@shore.net