I spotted a magpie just standing there on the grass, head tilted like it was contemplating life. It was so still, almost like we were in our own little bubble. I took a breath and watched it for a while. No flapping, no fuss. Just a quiet moment in the afternoon sun. Then it turned and hopped away, leaving me smiling at the simple encounter.

A magpie standing on the grass, tilting its head at the camera.