ARLINGTON, TEXAS — “Ordinary” birds are far more colorful than we give them credit for. I’m working at home today — the first Saturday I’ve been home in a month or more. Proposals are due Monday, and I’m looking at people and lands from far across the sea. But the birds outside keep me anchored in my own time and place.

The cock robin has left the perch where he sat for long minutes, silently looking around. His deeply colored breast feathers had delicate fringes of white. His head was quite black, and his throat was streaked with white. His bill almost glowed, even in the shade, but it cooled to black near the tip.

A house sparrow had one pure white flight feather. It was nestled among the others, which were black and brightly edged with brown.

Yellow-rumps’ sides gleamed like beacons, and the glinting, fiery blue of the jays almost took my breath away. They pinned morsels against twigs with capable feet, and they pounded them with strong, hooked bills.

But they’ve all moved on for the moment, and only the distant roar of jets wafts through my slightly open window. That, and a gentle breeze. I should be getting back to work….

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