She flies from tree to tree and screeches. Her vibrant blue feathers are wet and shiny and she lifts her head up and screams into the sky. This female bluejay has been inhabiting our walnut tree for the last few days. She is restless and I can see her moving back and forth between the raindrops. Sadly, I believe I know what she is searching for in the weather.

Her mate was lying in the center of the road this morning. I quickly carried him out the way of traffic, wrapped him in newspaper and disposed of him. He was flatter than he needed to be- whatever hit him it was over quickly. Hopefully, he didn’t feel a thing.

Bluejays often mate for life and this little girl is frantic to find her mate. She is mindful of Boo the barn cat down below just waiting for her to slip up and not pay attention to this black cat. Her mate was quite a bit bigger than she is but her voice is strong and it carries in the wind. I am sad that she has suffered a loss, I know about loss and how it can cause upheavel, uncertainty and confusion. In a few days perhaps she will move on, take flight and start over somewhere else but for now, her cries fill the sky.