Turning from Dallas Road onto Cook Street my eyes lifted to scan the treetop there and, sure enough, a bald eagle was perched at the tip. I paid as much silent homage as is possible while driving by in a vehicle and then noticed that others on the sidewalk were also an appreciative audience, a couple aiming cameras. Eagles have been roosting there for the decade or so I have lived here, thus the automatic check.
When I got home a bevy of bushtits scattered at my approach from their perch on the many feeders in the garden. I waited until they regrouped and stood there gazing in admiration at them, comparing this with the eagle experience. One large majestic eagle. Many tiny futzy bushtits. Is this the only reason for the difference of attention. Is there a difference in attention or only in my perception.