I was taking out the garbage the other morning and a bird fell to the ground in front of me. Although alive - I could see its little chest rise and fall - it wasn't moving. My first instinct was to try to do something but I've been taught that, in situations such as this, it is best to let nature take its course.

But I watched.

After a few minutes, another bird landed nearby. It pecked at the fallen bird in what may have been a prodding poke rather than an attack. The fallen bird came to life and flew (or hopped with a bit of very low flying mixed in) to refuge under my parked car and nestled against a tire.

Time to intercede. Allowing nature to takes its course would likely make me an accessory to a squashed bird as soon as I moved the car. I got a shovel and a broom to move the bird. As I gently nudged it, it tweeted and flew away.

A little interaction with nature. Witness to a struggle. Offering a little assistance -- or was it interference? A gentle reminder of our place and that we’re not alone.