A Touch of Brightness

The very sight of something can leave an instant and profound impression.

Two weeks ago, a flurry of activity outside my window attracted my attention. Immediately, I zeroed in on the yellow and blue of an Audubon's yellow-rumped warbler. I recognized the bird right away, and almost as quickly, I noticed a feeling of happiness welling up inside.

I have always liked yellow-rumped warblers. Both of the variants, the myrtle and the Audubon's, have beautiful feather patterns highlighted by bright patches of yellow. For some reason, the Audubon's coloring has had a special appeal for me.

After noticing the rush of happiness produced by the Audubon's variant two weeks ago, I realized how deeply the species had left its mark on me. To produce such joy in a quick sighting indicates the bird's bright appearance contains a great power to touch my heart.

It was just a touch of brightness, but what an impression it made!