A Bird in the Bush

It’s cool, it’s overcast and showers are forecast for throughout the day. I took my early morning brew out on the balcony to listen to the sparrows chatter, watched two squirrels fighting over who owns the privacy hedge, and didn’t have the heart to tell them: neither of them do. That it’s the dominion of the sparrows. Their number has grown extensively in the time me and mine have been living in the apartment. And not least because I put fat balls out for them during the winter, along with seed, and make sure there’s always fresh water for them. It’s not allowed. It’s in the apartment least: do not feed the wildlife. But, until they serve papers on me, I’m not about to stop. This for me is a joy, a pleasure, one that comes with its own small rewards, even if I might find myself in trouble one day. I’d fight tooth and nail that I can put out on my balcony anything I want, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone. And yes, I’m well aware of the reasoning behind the lease clause: to stop rats.…