Saving something

I think you should know that I am an animal lover. I think most people if pressed would say that they are. Who is the heartless person who would actually say, "Yup I hate animals...all of them!" I realize that people have allergies or were traumatized by an animal as a child but even then you can usually you can find at least one animal worth rooting for. I know that you will find a myriad of arguments on who is a better pet; dog or cat? There are people who are fans of monkeys (I live with one) fans of endangered species such as polar bears, pandas, tigers and people who love birds and reptiles as well. As for me, I root for all animals, sure I have a few favorites, polar bears are one, llamas another. I can even see the usefulness of bugs, I just don't want them staying in my home. However, there is one animal, one bird specifically which I can say that I dislike, dare I say that I loathe and detest. At that one creature is a Mockingbird.

Now this is not blind dislike, I have my reasons. I have one very good reason, I have seen Mockingbirds eat kittens. That is correct...eat a small 2 day old baby kitten when it's mother went to get some food. I have seen it knock eggs out of another bird's nest. I have seen it chase and peck and wound animals just walking down the street. I have seen... in a word... evil. I find no redeeming value in this species of birds. And I will never like them. There are others in my home that feel the opposite of me, they like and admire the Mockingbird despite the fact that they know it is a kitten killing menace.

It was this very person in my household (who shall remain nameless) that encouraged my oldest son to save one such baby Mockingbird. Milo was so excited to save this bird, that my heart softened for my young son and I documented the event on film.

The bird. Hiding amongst the foliage.

Mama bird watches anxiously from above

Milo allows the bird to sniff his hand to show he
is trying to help it.

Milo invites the young bird to hop into his hand.

The bird declines his offer but allowed Mark
to capture it.

Now sure, I saw these pictures. I saw how diligently my son tried to save this bird, shooing off our cats, calling for Mark to save the bird and put it on the wall or in a tree time and again as it fell out. This went on for days. And for a brief time I forgot that it was a demon bird. I truly did. Mark pointed out to me several times that as a Mother I should not be so heartless towards a small baby no matter the species. This argument was not lost on me, especially when I saw the pride in Milo's eyes after saving the bird. I only hope that it has been influenced for the power of good rather than evil after meeting up with Milo. That it will choose a life of charity, harmony and love after having been in the presence of the family Sheridan. A girl can dream, can't she?