Early Morning Birdsong

The birds are back early this year. They announce the arrival of spring. Punxsutawney Phil told us six more weeks of winter. We got about two. The birds sing of coming warmth. It is little comfort. I welcome milder weather, but it will only be mild for so long. Perhaps summer will come early, too. Perhaps, one day, winter will never come at all. It is hard to record birdsong in the city. There are too many cars. They try to tell us that cars are the problem. That fewer cars will keep the birds around longer. The fewer cars will keep winter cold. Fewer cars won't stop it all, though. Birds won't return if there are no forests. They won't come back for a new parking lot. Not if the factories keep heaving the smoky sighs of a tycoon puffing a cigar as he rests his feet on the Resolute Desk. Perhaps this is not their song. Perhaps it is a warning.