Winter Birds

Athena High School courtyard tree with birds at 7:45 a.m. (2/6/14)

Each morning, House Sparrows flit and jump from branch to branch on the small shrub and naked tree just outside my classroom window. As the sun rises over the courtyard, the birds set off in small groups over the building for parts unknown. During most days, even in winter, I'll open the window and the area is silent. Only the very occasional "jeer" of a Blue Jay passing-by breaks the quiet.

Just as I head home after the school day ends, I presume they do the same; returning over the then empty buildings to the low scrub branches. There, I imagine, they await the early morning sunrise that prompts them to set in motion the day's activities.