PARENTAL INSTINCTS

How do birds protect their young?

In Parshas Ki Seitzei, the Torah tells us: if you find a bird sitting on eggs or chicks, you must first send away the mother before taking the young. This mitzvah shows compassion, but also teaches us about the bond between parents and children, even in animals. Birds spend a lot of time and energy protecting and feeding their babies. A mother bird might sit on her eggs for weeks, keeping them warm and safe. Some birds even pretend to be injured to lure predators away from their nests. The Torah tells us not to take advantage of that love. By sending the mother bird away, we avoid causing her pain—and we learn that kindness matters, even when dealing with creatures much smaller than us.