Circle of Death

Beautiful day, the sun shining, and the blossoms exploding everywhere. A nest of birds, starlings actually - had taken up residence for the third or fourth year. Loud, pushy and obnoxious - they summarily destroyed the home of the original occupants, a nice sparrow couple who must now do as best they can in the rain gutter of neighbour dave's house. I have no idea if they have ever sucessfully pulled off a brood - but I never recall having seen a young one survive the rains. They come back every year, perhaps because they know no other place - or because they hope the starlings won't come back.

Things were the same this year, the sparrows, polite, industrious and benevolent - arriving early and setting up shop until the wasp of the aviators arrived yet again, eating their eggs and beginning their own yearly routine.
I have been unwilling to close off the opening in the porch, for the inconvienience was always outweighed by the life experience. Today I was reminded of the unfortunate side of it. Arriving in a fine mood, the dog - Deeogee, was quick to point out the young, motley chick that was baking in the sun. Looking not too bad for the huge fall, I tucked the lil fellow back behind the boards, and sure enough - and soon enough he was back out. Now I realized this was the runt - the weaker, late hatching chick that was expendable this year. Being brutalized by your siblings, or left to die of exposure - a easy meal for a cat - or a quick flush? Either way, I was in the mix because I chose to have yearly guests.
Kinda ruined my day.