Bird Stop

Light at the intersection of Princess Anne Road and Witchduck Road.
(Click picture for larger view)

"That little bird has chosen his shelter. Above it are the stars and the deep heaven of worlds. Yet he is rocking himself to sleep without caring for tomorrow's lodging, calmly clinging to his little twig, and leaving God to think for him." ~ Martin Luther

On any given winter day the small sparrows perch on this traffic signal; not on the side facing the north wind, but on the south side of the light facing the winter sun. As the light sways, they keep balanced. I know why they love "a" traffic light. The light shields offer some protection from the chilling wind and the heat from both the sun and the lights gives warmth.

But why this light and not others? There are at least five other intersections between this signal and my parents house, yet this is the only one with sparrows. Some of the other lights are more rigid, solidly placed with no sway or swinging motion in the wind. Surely, this would be less tenuous for the small birds, and yet none rest in them. Perhaps the birds are no different from human babies, or human adults for that matter. Perhaps the gentle sway in the wind and the warmth comforts them; perhaps the "bird stop" feels like home.

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