The Birdbath

SCP-XXXX prior to containment.

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Safe

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX is to remain in a standard Safe object locker when not under test conditions. It is to be kept a minimum of 40m away from anomalous plants at all times. SCP-XXXX-1 is not to be removed from SCP-XXXX unless permission is granted by a Level 2 or greater researcher.

Description: SCP-XXXX is a molded concrete birdbath 25cm in height. The sides of the birdbath are decorated with carvings of ivy and a carved sparrow. The inside rim of the bowl is engraved with the phrase, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.” This is the chorus to the Gospel hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow”, written in 1905 by lyricist Civilla D. Martin and composer Charles H. Gabriel.

The water contained in the bowl of SCP-XXXX is stagnant, containing several species of algae usually found in fresh water, and a small population of amoebas. The water does not evaporate, and will not spill from the bowl of the birdbath, behaving as if an invisible lid contains it.

Plants within a 30m radius of the birdbath grow at an exceptional rate, nearly three times that which is normal for their species. Plant species widely considered to be “weeds” fail to germinate within this area of effect. Living weeds brought within the area die within 2 hours. This effect has been shown to disappear whenever SCP-XXXX-1 is removed from the birdbath.

Within the same area, birds of various species will congregate, though sparrows always outnumber other species. They appear to be perfectly normal birds, and behave as would be expected. They are easily frightened away by humans, but will return to the immediate vicinity of the birdbath once the intruder has left. No birds have ever been recorded drinking from or bathing in the bath.

SCP-XXXX-1 shortly after being removed from SCP-XXXX by Researcher █████.

SCP-XXXX-1 is a piece of rose quartz crystal, bearing not structural anomalies, resting in the bowl of SCP-XXXX. If a human removes SCP-XXXX-1 from the birdbath, the birds undergo an immediate change in behavior. They will begin to fly close the person’s head, becoming increasingly agitated the longer the crystal is separated from the birdbath. Eventually the birds will begin to scratch at the subject’s face and peck at their eyes. It is recommended that personnel removing SCP-XXXX-1 for research purposes wear full-head helmets and other light protection from these injuries.

If separated from the individual by a building, the birds will attempt to find a way inside. If no such opening exists, they will perch nearby any exits and wait for them to emerge. The birds will not attack another human who takes the crystal, so long as they intend to return it to the bath. How the birds deduce the intent of a person is unknown. Upon returning the crystal to the bath, the birds will resume their normal behavior. The crystal exhibits no anomalous behavior while outside the birdbath.

SCP-XXXX was discovered in the garden of █████████ Baptist Church in █████████, Georgia after a small child was killed by a flock of at least 34 songbirds, 2 crows, and one red-tailed hawk. The crystal was discovered in the child's hands and taken by one of the responding EMTs, who was promptly attacked by the birds himself. A member of █████████ Baptist recognized the crystal and instructed the EMT to put it in the birdbath. When questioned, members of the church claimed to not remember where the birdbath had come from. The birdbath was removed to its current location at the Site 47, and all witnesses were administered Class C amnesiacs. █████████ Baptist Church is currently being monitored for additional anomalous objects and occurrences by Foundation agents.

Addendum-01: The following letter was found filed in the records of █████████ Baptist Church two days after SCP-XXXX was contained. It is addressed to a former pastor of the church, now deceased, who was active up until 1931, and is dated ████████, ██, 1929.

Dear ██████,

I hope you like the birdbath. Took me forever to get it made. You would not believe how hard it is to find someone with the necessary skills to make a decent birdbath. I think it will spruce up your garden really nicely. Keep the crystal inside though, I don't think it looks half as good without it.

Yours,
Charles H. Gabriel