Dad has recently re-discovered a passion for birds. He got a Chinese Bulbul last week from his new friend the ex-mafia (who I'm dying to meet as he did a famous stint a while back involving a dog cage), as part of his new singing birdy troupe. He hung his, or her, cage on the balcony the other morning to get some sun. As this is quite a rampant wild species, another Chinese Bulbul came and hung out on the other side of the cage for a good hour or so. They just played in their funny birdy ways flapping wings and jumping up and down.

It was an interesting and somewhat philosophical sight. The one on the outside would fly away for a while, then return to play. The one inside seemed stationary most of the time (though LOUD) and had no control over the other bird's coming and going. It could not get the other bird to come, nor could it get it to leave. Or maybe it could, but I have no clue how it works between them birds.

After initial amusement Dad grew nonchalant in his as-a-matter-of-fact way, but I was so inspired I took a picture. Then I realized maybe I was the bird in the cage.

I also realized this is how bird flu could spread and we could all die.