He flew up to the passenger side window and just kind of perched there. I thought he might look in at me driving the car
and then fly away.

He didn't.

He looked this way and that, staring at me with beady eyes. Was he stuck? Was he fascinated with the side rear view mirror and the other bird he saw there?

I started to roll down the electronic window, thinking that would startle him enough to go ahead and fly away. About now I was feeling like I was in an Alfred Hitcock movie. This black bird seemed permanently attached to my car...

I did the window vibration thing a couple of times. It didn't phase him. I decided to pull over to the side of the rather quiet street on which I was inching along -- in hopes he would take the hint and fly off.

He didn't.

It's not like I was afraid of this rather large black bird. He was a grackle, the kind of rather awkward-looking black bird you see hanging around Wal-Mart's parking lots.

I didn't relish attempting to pull him off my car and getting pecked in the process.

I sped up, being so close to home now and just wanting to get there. I watched, fascinated, as his feathers ruffled in the breeze I had created for him.

Then he was gone.

Had he been stuck? Was he simply mesmerized by his own reflection?

Or was he just lonely for a little human companionship.

One of the many things I'll never know.