The Little Reddy
Tiago Miranda
Handling a baby bird feels like holding an egg. If you squeeze too hard it can die; if you drop it, it may not survive.
This is the life story of the little Reddy, found amongst fallen branches that once resembled its home up in the canopy. We barely noticed its nest. It may not have had one though.
From a head turn whilst packing my climbing ropes, there it was, the baby red wattle bird, perched firmly on a small twig where mom first left it. It was quiet and cold. I felt embarrassed by not being able to tell it I am sorry.
I picked it up gently and took it inside the cabin. This is the moment we humans melt into sympathy. You only hope it will survive though.
Author bio: Tiago is an independent researcher and arborist born in Brazil. He spent his adulthood in New Zealand and now lives in Australia.