City Birds

 

I live on the third floor of a small apartment building in New York City. At the moment, I have one cat. About five years ago, I created “Bird TV” for my cats by feeding local birds on the windowsill, flanked by two screens so the cat can’t fall out while trying to catch them.

Recently, there have been big, plump pigeons, mourning doves, cardinals, starlings, and sparrows.

In quiet moments, when my cat is crouched and preparing to lunge at the offending flying machine, I get an up-close look at what these wild creatures really look like. Smooth feathers. Eyes like microscopes, able to spot bread far above the street at my window. Gray wings, green eyes, beige beaks, spindle legs tipped with toes and claws. Birds both big and small, with remarkable strength and agility.

I’ve noticed that birds have knees that bend backward. Some squabble with each other, trying to snatch the best pieces of bread. It’s fun to watch. My cat agrees.

Georgia