So the other day, I was leaving my apartment for work when I came across a small black bird sitting on the sidewalk. As I continued walking out of my apartment complex, (past where the squirrel was before,) the bird seemed content to stay in its spot even as I was drawing closer. Once I was under a foot away, I couldn’t help but crouch down to admire the bird.

It seemed normal enough, with the exception that it was standing in one spot. It’s occasional blinks and head twitches were enough to tell me that it was still alive. Peering around, I also noticed 3 other similar black birds, 2 of them sitting on the grass, and one flapping around on a bush.

I waved my hand in front of its face to see if I could draw it’s attention. Nothing. After spending a minute or two just looking at the bird, I gave the bird a couple taps on the head with my finger. Still nothing.

As amusing as this all was, I was running late for work and had to get going. So I did the sensible thing and booted the bird off the sidewalk. While this may seem vicious, I assure you it was not. I placed my foot at the tip of the bird’s butt and gave it a gentle bump across the pavement. The bird flapped it’s wings with joy as it landed softly a couple feet away.

Not wanting his brothers to feel left out, I promptly went over to the grass and gave the other two a punt as well. I spared the one in the bushes, as he seemed to have enough trouble as is trying to maintain his balance. I did notice their wings seem underdeveloped, so I assume they were still nestlings that jumped down. All in all, it was an amusing start to my day.