We had a bird in the basement last week. A few minutes before my alarm was due to go off I wake up and look at the clock. Just as I’m drifting off to sleep again…

*CRASH*

The sound of something breaking. Not a big glass breaking sound, like a cup breaking. The wife and I both jump up and I stalk up stairs. I’m assaulted by a black bird that is flying around the dinning room. It makes a few attempts at the windows so I just open a window and out it goes.

Well just as I’m laying down to try and score an extra five minutes of shut eye I hear flapping and claws on ductwork. “We’ve got another one!” This time in the basement. Some running around chasing a bird with various sacks or bags left me panting and the bird no closer to being evicted.

I then remembered the lesson of the Pitcher Plant. It has evolved to the point where it’s hood is translucent, allowing insects to think they can get out that way. Hmmmmm….. I shut off all the lights so the only light was from two glass block windows. This and a handy laundry basket allowed me to safely get the bird under the basket and then swiftly reach under it and snatch the bird without hurting it.

Sqwack sqwak sqak! Upstairs and out the window with you bird. The theme to ‘Born Free’ playing in my head as it flaps away in the morning sun.

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