Stephen left for work at his normal 10pm tonight. After he left I began loading the dishwasher with the dishes from supper (I couldn't do it right after we finished eating because he had to take a nap before going to work...hard to be quiet with dishes and water running in a 1 story home). I finished probably around 10:30pm or so and thought I heard something strange. I strained my ears for a few moments and heard a scratching/screeching noise coming from the living room. Now being alone at night and having our living room closed off with a sheet of plastic make for an active imagination. So I called my parents' house and asked Momma if Nathan was home - she said "we'll be right there."
Now about the time they got here (thank goodness they only live about 1 minute away) I remembered that last year we had a baby bird fall out of its nest in our chimney. The fluttering of its wings sounded like thunder as it frantically tried to get back up the chute (we have a wood stove insert in our fireplace with a metal piece sliding around it to cover the gap). I figured this must have been the same type of situation.
Nathan came in and pulled the piece away from the chimney and used a flashlight to look inside. And there it was! A baby bird clinging to the side of the chimney. He asked for a pair of gloves and I couldn't find Stephen's work gloves, so I found an old pair of winter gloves in the coat closet - not the best option but we make do with what we have. So it was my job to guard the entrance from the living room to the rest of the house and Momma held the side door open to outside. Somehow I got sidetracked and forgot about my duty and ended up in the middle of the living room watching Nate. And of course, when he went to grab the bird it tried to fly away and headed straight for the opening in the plastic that I was supposed to keep closed! I about freaked out...seriously. Luckily it clung to the plastic right beside the opening.
Nathan was able to get it from there and took the poor, scared thing outside. We simply didn't know what else to do with it. I didn't want to leave it in the chimney with all the soot and creosote. I feel bad about leaving it outside and the three of us stood there watching it lay in the grass trying to figure out a better alternative. Unfortunately none were found. Hopefully it will find a safe place for the night or its momma or daddy will find it. I'll feel horrible if I find it tomorrow dead in the yard. I'll have to let you know if I find it or not.
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