The title of this post derives from the Gilbert O’Sullivan song of the 1960s and reminds me that, no matter how many people surround us, we are, fundamentally, alone. For some this is terrifying; for others (like me!) it is refreshing; for all of us, it is a reality. We are alone in the birth canal and in the death canal and that is a fact.
I have noticed, over the last several months, that if a bird has been injured, all of the other birds will leave it alone. There seems to be this instinctive compulsion in birds, and perhaps in many other animals, to get as far away as possible from the suffering or dying of their breed. Actually, it’s possibly more of a revulsion or a fear thing – I’m not sure.
We humans, on the other hand, sometimes feel as if we are supposed to gather around the injured or stricken of our breed, to empathize and commiserate, when what we really want to do is fly away. But we are good at pretending. Birds, on the other hand, don’t pretend, and I admire this unwitting honesty, this commonsense ….
…. this conundrum!
This chook is gone now and I will miss her so much.
jmgoyder 
Love this beautiful post Julie which gave me so much to think about. It’s an interesting time for you, Son, Husband (!) and all the birds.
Yes! You are a gem.
You are a very inspirational human being, Julie, and whilst time is a premium just now, with Christmas upon us, I may not comment as promptly as normal.
I wish you and your family, including all those with feathers, a very happy Christmas, and healthy New Year.
I hope I may call you Julie, I noticed someone did.
Best wishes from me, Val, the UK xx
Thank you so much and all the very best for Christmas. It has been great to get to know you in this peculiar bloggy way and I value the contact.
Only two more sleeps til ‘husband’ comes home just in time for Christmas … I wish you and your family (including feathered members) a very joyful and peaceful Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.
regards
Ingrid
And I wish exactly the same to your and yours, Ingrid – thank you so much! Jx
Coming from the standpoint of a birdwatcher I might, if you allow, throw the idea out that the reason other birds do not approach a dying bird is survival. The sick bird is in jeopardy of getting caught by a predator and the other birds may not want to be similarly at risk.
I should think all of us have an innate desire to run the other direction of illness and death but our ability to reason gets the better of us. Interesting to think about.
Yes, re your first observation: I thought that must be the case with the birds. Re your second observation, it certainly is something to think about in an uneasy way! Thanks so much for your comment – I really appreciate it.
I am sure that daylily2011 is right. For my part, I am glad that Mrs Tootlepedal is not a bird and is often there to comfort me. Sometimes I am able to comfort her.
Thank you and I hope you two have a wonderful Christmas!
I DO hope your Husband will be home for Christmas (as planned). I’ll take this opportunity to wish You and your Family a Great Christmas. Hope you get to spend quality time with your loved ones (including the Birds).
More importantly, hope 2012 will be a time of Sharing and Peace amongst the Feathered Creatures in your Care.
(& may Reynard the Fox find other pastures in distant lands to feed on).
Thank you, Victoria and I wish you and yours all the very best for Christmas and the NY too. I have been really grateful for your feedback, advice and your beautiful blog! Juliexx