Bluebirds generally are stand-offish, usually just an azure and red streak arcing over the road. These bluebirds could not abide by any commotion in the house within 5 feet of the window. The cats milled around, jockeying for a better view, and Ben in particular yammered and bleeped in that brainless manner cats do at amused birds through the window glass. The bluebirds repeatedly scattered to the elms in the hedgerow.

When Snooples jumped up on the windowsill and began smooching the mullions, the whole lot of them disappeared as quickly as they showed up, leaving behind the usual suspects: fire engine-red cardinals, fat-headed chickadees, and the little brown balls with legs that we call sparrows. And the bluejays hopping and swearing and yelling "yer mother!" as the bluebirds sailed off.