Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1946-06-12
This and That
By Charles E. Tracepell.

The dead pigeon lay in the grass in
the cool morning. He had come to the
end Of his rope, as the homely old
country saying has it.
Around him scores Of birds sang. At
the feeding station by the maple tree
squirrels and songsters feasted. He
was still in the grass.
1t was the old story of hfe and death.
Lie does not understand death, and
death does not understand life. Or
does it?
The pigeon had been among the
feeders for long time. He had seemed
tnln ana weary, never flying up when
something frightened the others.
Now he was still, his head down, so at
nrst sight he seemed to have none, as
II something had pulled 1t off,
Examination showed no wounds. He
mad died, that was all, and it was too
much-for him.
His mates paid no attention to him.
They flew IN and out on proud wings,
unable to understand. Perhaps they
thought he was taking, too lazy to get
up, although bird getting up time had
come several hours before.
Most birds found dead have come to
an untimely end, as it is called.
Some persons even believe that 1t is
impossible to see an old bird die. They
are supposed to go away to the woods,
or to breath their last in brook or by
the river bank. seeking a drink of cool
water to allay the unquenchable thirst
for life.
1t is possible, however, for the close
observer to see these endings, but there
Is no reason why he should.
One of the finest things about bird
watching Is the sense of continuity and
health they give. Disease is news today,
We are beset with accounts of awful
operations, and the need for hospitals,
and statistics showing the spread of
major diseases. Despite the advances of
science, so-called, the human animal
seems more unhealthy than ever.
1t Is a relief at times to turn to the
flying phase of life where no census is
taken. where no statistics worries, where
everything seems free and unllampered
Inc birds have no f1ve-year plans
They do not indulge in planning, J"
whose end result among humans seems
to be nothing but taking the plenty"
out OF the dear old "land of plenty"
X X X
one may watch birds for years with
out seeing anything to remind one of i'll
health, suffering and death.
They are so alive, so alert 50 nervous
In all their movements, that they remind
one OF perpetual life as well as perpetual
motion. ''A
Above all this, however, is the. sense
tney bring OF immortality, because the
Individual watcher cannot get to know
them individually.
Thus, IN his yard or at his window he
always sees birds, and In time comes to
confuse any one specimen with all birds
ana to feel that as he knows nothing of
the individual, SO there is no such thing
as individual suffering and death in
loneliness.
He fools himself, of course. because
BIRDS are flesh, and suffer it's fate. They
Gle as all things must, but they give the
appearance OF immortality.
This has been recognized for ages but
1t IS good thing to renew it in the in
dlvldual acquaintance.
Birds have been linked with good
things, such as getting up early, steady
conservative living, the soul, immortal
ity, hope and peace.
The wonder Of the homing pigeon has
worked its way into the heart of man.
so that today no one can see even q
homeless pigeon dead in the grass with
out wondering, and feeling ashamed
that he would have denied it heedlessly
the food put out for other birds.