Banding a Migratory Bird

by Emily Northrop

 

The Acadian flycatcher was caught

and trapped on a naturalist’s finger.

As its amygdala urged FLIGHT

it thrashed its wings to no avail.

An examination of its skull

revealed it was little older than a fledgling.

It was a young heart

that was racing with fear.

 

As the bird distressed

my group was offered a close look.

 

Did gazing at a bird

immobilized and vulnerable

reinforce our compassion?

Or our detachment.