I have to admit, I have a bit of an odd obsession: dead birds. When ever I’m out and about—usually riding my bike—I frequently see a dead bird on the side of the road. Terns, thrushes, wrens, finches, warblers, you name it, I’ve ridden by it. It’s not uncommon to ride past road kill of all types on the roads I frequent in the canyons and rural country; but a dead cottontail, skunk, coon, or deer doesn’t draw me in like a small feathered missile that has met his demise lying lifeless on the shoulder of the road. Sometimes it’s moments after it was darting through the air like a winged fighter pilot with deft acrobatic maneuvers that I come upon them lying on the road, their hollow bones pulverized; a little winged vessel left unmanned. Why do I care you ask? Why do I stop my inertia--which is sometimes quite high mind you, to admire and inspect these little dead creatures? Because cyclist’s and birds have a lot in common: we are designed and meant for speed. We often travel at high velocities, battling the wind and elements trying to survive, escape or sometimes just enjoying the feeling of freedom of the moment. Sometimes we succeed in these pursuits and sometimes we fail, but fundamentally I’m not much different than that bird that was flying across the road whose time had expired. The mountain blue bird didn’t see it coming, and we most likely won’t either. So let the dead bird be a reminder to live in the moment, to enjoy your speed and agility while it’s yours to enjoy, because the time will come for everyone, and every little bird that it will be taken away. Next time you see a dead bird stop and pay your respect, and remember that svelte bird was meant for speed and flight and he went down, and it’s only a matter of time before we all do too. Take your precautions yes, but more importantly, live life to the fullest and ride fast while your legs can still carry you…
I have to admit, I have a bit of an odd obsession: dead birds. When ever I’m out and about—usually riding my bike—I frequently see a dead bird on the side of the road. Terns, thrushes, wrens, finches, warblers, you name it, I’ve ridden by it. It’s not uncommon to ride past road kill of all types on the roads I frequent in the canyons and rural country; but a dead cottontail, skunk, coon, or deer doesn’t draw me in like a small feathered missile that has met his demise lying lifeless on the shoulder of the road. Sometimes it’s moments after it was darting through the air like a winged fighter pilot with deft acrobatic maneuvers that I come upon them lying on the road, their hollow bones pulverized; a little winged vessel left unmanned. Why do I care you ask? Why do I stop my inertia--which is sometimes quite high mind you, to admire and inspect these little dead creatures? Because cyclist’s and birds have a lot in common: we are designed and meant for speed. We often travel at high velocities, battling the wind and elements trying to survive, escape or sometimes just enjoying the feeling of freedom of the moment. Sometimes we succeed in these pursuits and sometimes we fail, but fundamentally I’m not much different than that bird that was flying across the road whose time had expired. The mountain blue bird didn’t see it coming, and we most likely won’t either. So let the dead bird be a reminder to live in the moment, to enjoy your speed and agility while it’s yours to enjoy, because the time will come for everyone, and every little bird that it will be taken away. Next time you see a dead bird stop and pay your respect, and remember that svelte bird was meant for speed and flight and he went down, and it’s only a matter of time before we all do too. Take your precautions yes, but more importantly, live life to the fullest and ride fast while your legs can still carry you…
These pictures are a little creepy... I had no idea what a fascination you had with dead birds... (enough so that you actually take pictures of them!) You crack me up.. good to see you out on your bike again are you going to race at all this year or are you just the lone ranger out to fly with the birds?
ReplyDeletehaha... ya, it can seem weird, but if you read the blog it should dispell the creepiness some. I'd like to race, but for that you have to be fit, and to get fit you have to ride a lot. That said, I'm in the "riding a little bit phase," trying to take it to the next level. In the meantime I'll just be the lone ranger flyin with the birds...;)
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