| The Mitzvah of "Shiluach HaKein" -- sending away the mother bird -- is one of the most esoteric passages of the Torah. Surely it holds a profound and meaningful secret. When a person comes across a lovely bird in a field, it will surely fly out of his grasp if he tries to capture it. Yet, there is one situation in which even the fastest bird does not fly away. That is, a bird that is sitting on the nest, tending to her young. Her mercy upon her young overpowers her instinct to fly away when threatened, and therefore she could easily be captured. In light of this, the Torah commands us not to take advantage of her mercy on her young. Rather, give up your attempt to capture the bird by doing the opposite -- send her away to freedom.
Be sensitive to a person, or any living creature, who is in a vulnerable state. Even more, be merciful to one who is showing mercy to someone else.
Envision a mother bird sitting on a nest, caring for her young. See how easily you are able to capture the bird who is mercifully looking out for her young. Internalize this lesson and be sensitive and compassionate to all HaShem's creations. Rejoice in knowing that just as you show mercy to others, HaShem will show mercy to you. (Based on the commentary of Rav Yoseph Chaim Zonnenfeld) | 
