To Save A Mocking Bird

On a balmy spring day, I was gazing out of the window at my place of work on Ocean Road in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The sparkling ocean was luxuriating in the bright intense afternoon sunlight.

There is a large evergreen tree outside of our office that spreads its limbs like latticework partially obstructing my water view, however providing vital shade. A movement like an unfurling fan caught my eye. Looking more intently, I realized that there was a diminutive bird helplessly dangling from one of the branches. Hearing me gasp, several of my associates rushed over to see what event could be unfolding outside. Within minutes, two of these compassionate souls were on the scene under the tree attempting to reach the hapless victim with a pole, however, they could not free it. Suddenly, out of nowhere, two more heroes materialized with a ladder! The ladder was instantly set up and tenuously climbed by one of them. Again, this attempt to liberate the bird was futile. As I sat there mesmerized, witnessing this kind act of humanity, the rescuer carefully snapped off the branch with the trapped bird still bound to it and tender footedly descended back down the ladder to terra firma.



With a surgeon’s fine tuned touch, the Good Samaritan swiftly extricated the little creature from the thread that had been wrapped around its talon and which had snagged on the branch. He cradled it in his hands with tender loving care, gently stroking the head to reassure the trembling bird. Then, with arms extended above his head, the bird was given the opportunity to take flight and soar away. However, it dropped to the ground unable to fly. A box was quickly emptied of its contents, temporarily providing sanctuary to the small bird, and a call was made to a local veterinarian. Within the hour, the bird was being lovingly chauffeured to the vet who treats untamed birds and animals, by yet another caring person.

A tiny life saved by some altruistic beings whose only collective intent was to rescue a young mocking bird.