don't you shiver

This is the closest I've ever been to a live, living robin. And I wasn't cheating.

Well, OK. I was a bit.

This little guy, you see, announced his arrival into my life with a loud thud when he sailed into the living room window one morning in February whilst I was getting dressed.

I was surprised enough that he even survived the impact. So we scooped him up and put him into a shoebox by the radiator, hoping for the best. Most of the time they nonetheless die of shock. But it's good to hope.

Twenty minutes later we opened the box. There the little robin sat, silent but clearly still living. Mum and I decided that it was time to let him go, so we popped him down outside - which is when I took this shot. As you can see, he wasn't quite ready to leave us! Back into the box he went.

A few moments later the signs didn't look good - he was keeled over in the corner of the box. We put the lid back on and hoped for the best anyway...

...And I'm pleased to say we got it. On the next attempt he sprang from the box and into the sky. I imagine he's still out there

Nikon D70s / 50mm f/1.8 / PS.