An Unexpected Visitor

Mr. C.and Partridge in Wild Kingdom

The other afternoon I was at the computer when I heard something like a loud crash-explosion from the west end of the house. I went to the window, fully expecting to see a large branch from our maple tree lying on the deck. There was no branch. I looked around, trying to determine what could have made that noise, when I suddenly noticed a big partridge, lying on its back next to the patio doors, quite still, except for an intermittent twitch.

Poor beautiful bird!

I prayed that God would help him die quickly, for I wasn't about to go out there and finish him off myself, and yet I knew there was no chance of recovery for the poor bird with a broken neck.

In a few minutes, Mr. C. came home, by which time the poor partridge was no longer struggling. Mr. C. removed the bird so that when the dog was out next, she wouldn't find it and think it was her new chew toy.

Partridge in Repose

I took the photos because I was so struck by the beauty of this [poor, dead] bird. Look at those gorgeous neck feathers...

Wing Feathers

Back Feathers

Tail Feathers

...and that's just one partridge. Who gives much thought to a partridge? There's so much beautiful, intricate design in the world around us. It's easy to get busy and not take the time to notice such things. What an amazing creation. What an awesome, generous Creator.

   “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

Isaiah 6:3 

Happy Valentine's Day, friends.

This post is linked to

Saturday's Critters 

and 

Mosaic Monday