First may I offer my sincere condolences. I presume you’ve found your way here because, well, you need to bury a bird. It’s rare that anyone stops by for anything other than what the sign advertises.
The species of bird doesn’t matter so much. And I should be up front in saying that, although there are several ways to host a funeral, there is only one approved way to bury a bird. Don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know. I think you’ll find the process can be very comforting during your time of grief.
Okay let’s get started. Actually, let’s back up.
If you don’t mind my asking, how did it happen? Were you sitting at home on your couch with your partner, enjoying a cup of coffee on a chilly April morning when–out of nowhere–something crashed with great velocity into your widow? Of course, this crash would be the ill-fated feathered friend, who would land on your not-yet-uncovered patio furniture, stunned, unfortunately passing shortly after (but we will get to that). It is possible you saw the hawk stop short, perched on the nearby elm to survey the situation it had just caused by giving chase. This would shock four beings: you, your partner, the hawk and most acutely, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker whose crimson crown had not moved in at least a minute.
If this is the case, you may have decided to close the shades giving the soul privacy as it exited the earthly creature (who as I may remind you is cradled by uncovered patio furniture), returning to bird heaven or—I’m sorry, I should have asked which denomination of funeral are you looking to plan? At any rate you may have hoped, because you are understanding of the ways of nature, that the hawk might return to perform its own funeral. Why should you have to bear the consequences of his actions? And if you hoped that by drawing the shades and leaving the room it might encourage him to return you would be right. He would perch on the railing (as you watched, frozen and motionless so as not to further disrupt an already disruptive situation) and examine the scene. It is impossible to say what prevented him from taking further action but alas, our sweet sapsucker would remain (thankfully, intact).
Now if this is your first bird funeral—is this your first bird funeral?—it is important not to plan too soon. You might be surprised at how many birds are able to regroup after a collision and continue on their way. Though I suppose we don’t know their quality of life after impact. And I suppose there are hundreds of factors including speed at time of flight, beak density (and shape), glass thickness and I am sorry to say but diet and lifestyle may also play a role though again, we can’t say for certain. Have you allowed enough, but not too much time to pass?
You may choose—as was the case in this specific situation—to allow one night of observation. This can be helpful both to the bird and to you (not to mention your partner who is still stunned), as you should never perform a bird funeral before you are ready. You are also permitted to quietly hope that the original or other bird of prey will take over the duties. If this happens you will be relieved of administrative duty though you are permitted to mourn as your faith and/or spirituality dictates. Have I already asked you if you prefer a certain denomination for the memorial?
If after one night of observation the bird remains at rest, you may continue making arrangements. It does not take long for a birdsoul to exit the body so you needn’t worry there. Now is a good time to ensure you have identified the species properly. You may refer to any bird guide encompassing the local area (though keeping migration patterns in mind) or you may resort to the Internet using Boolean logic such as birdType:"birds of Illinois" AND color:ruby OR crown:scarlet OR crown:garnet OR crown:crimson AND neck:yellow for best results. Have you identified the species? And how confident would you say you are? We’ll need it for our records.
While compiling results, you should also research any requirements of your municipality for reporting such incidents for purposes of an accurate census of avian flu or migratory casualties. However, if your situation is as described and the bird remains atop uncovered patio furniture on your front patio which has no access from the street I regret to inform you that this is your problem now, the hawk is long gone.
Though your instincts will be, especially after observing at such close proximity the plumage of shimmering shades of red, a pale yellow breast, complex patterns of black and white speckled wings, to perform a more dignified ritual what you will need for the next step is the following: two plastic trash bags.
It goes without saying (or maybe I should say it) that you should not handle any part of this process with bare hands. We can provide a pamphlet on different options but the easiest will be to turn the bag inside out as if you were wearing it like a glove to…I think you understand what I am saying? This next part is important: you must place the first, tied and secured bag inside the second, which you should then tie and secure. You will then, I am truly sorry to say, place the plastic-shrouded departed into a lidded waste receptacle outside of the home but (and this detail is important) not where it may be accessed by cat, rat or other curious creature. Surely you understand why this is important but the pamphlet will answer any additional questions you may have. Are you feeling okay? You look a little pale…here, let me get you some water.
Where were we, oh yes: It can be nice to utter a few words of gratitude as you complete this final step. It is possible (we can hope) that you will never again be so close to the vibrant feathers of Sphyrapicus varius and this incident was the tiniest bit felicitous only because you took such tender notice of its beauty. If this is the case, you can say quietly, “thank you” or “rest easy” or other prayer of your choosing. Sorry, did you say you had a religion in mind?
Once this final step is completed you should feel free to continue your day, though it may be difficult due to the circumstances. If you find yourself continuing to think about the process, it can help to write about your experience so that others seeking information on planning a bird funeral may take solace in your guidance. Again, I imagine you are here because you, too, must take on the great responsibility of a bird funeral.
Is that the case?
Thank you for subscribing and reading (or listening to!) this essay. And thank you to
whose advice of “let it air dry” was the push I needed to publish without over-working or over-thinking this one. I promise I’ll fix the audio quality if I do more read-alouds.It’s migration season in Chicago, a major bird thoroughfare. Though the strike in this essay was bird-of-prey-related, there are small things you can do to prevent bird strikes: apply bird-friendly window treatments and turn off your lights at night.
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