Sharing a Birch Perch

I took a quiet stroll down the sidewalk until I reached the shady base of a sidewalk tree. Nestled in the dark mulch was a wide strip of pale birch bark, curled smoothly into a gentle curve. I paused to test its balance, easing onto one end to feel the cool, papery surface. Just as I settled in, a soft flutter of feathers swept past, and a tiny city sparrow landed squarely on the opposite tip. Rather than rustling away, I held very still and kept my flippers tucked close. We shared the perch in polite, sunny silence until the bird chirped softly and took flight.