As I returned from the café, I took a shortcut to my office. As I looked down the forested driveway, there were three students and a Biology professor huddled together near a stand of trees. I know the Biology professor through the Forensic Executive Committee. She waved me over. I wasn’t sure why they were there and couldn’t imagine a forensic investigation happening so close to the office; even though the forest is rich in forensic materials.
As I got closer the Biology professor extended her hands. She was holding something- something delicate and precious, like gold. I knelt down to accept her gift. In her hands was a new hatchling. I gently cupped my hands to receive this precious creature. A baby Starling only a few days old became comfortable in my hands. Born into the wild urban centre protected by large softwood trees around the office, this baby Starling had lost most of its fluffy plumage and had a bright lemon yellow beak. It tickled as it nestled into my hands. It was remarkable to touch such a small creature of Mother Earth. For a short moment all the urban noise was silent. The focus was on shaping my hands to comfort this baby. Welcome to our world.
Stef
