Thoughts about birds

Had breakfast with a rose-breasted grosbeak
He sat on the clothesline challenging his reflection
as I contemplated him from behind my coffee mug
I wonder if he was the same little asshole that woke me at 5am -
there’s just no need for such aggressive chirping before the crack of dawn
If so, his blood-dripping chest pattern makes complete sense
Some other grumpy night owl like me
probably shot a dart at his heart

We used to have big parties of birds in the backyard
finches, sparrows, chickadees and more
I even welcomed the squirrels and bluejays
It was a joy to watch them squabble and take turns
their colours and patterns flitting about
We were told a few years ago there was a disease -
it spread wherever birds were congregating
so we took the feeders down
The yard has less activity and colour now
Foreshadowing