The 500 block of First Street is a lousy place to raise a family. The air is tainted with the exhaust from cars and trucks in three lanes of traffic. First Street is also 99W—one of the major pathways between Portland and the Oregon Coast. Like in any downtown area, the buildings are continuous and for several blocks there are few places where the earth can breath.

Friday morning when I was waiting for my haircut appointment I saw a bird out on the sidewalk collecting material to build a nursery. I watched as she flew across the street and disappeared behind a facing board that marks the beginning of the second story. This is where she is going to raise her family.