Yes! I was, thank you

I presume you're referring to the canary. It's a sentinel.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel_species#Historical_examples
Canaries have been used in mines for many years as a simple early warning system for toxic gases. Being more sensitive than humans, the birds would become ill before the miners, giving them time to get out.
"So I've got bullets, but no gun. That's quite Zen."

The bird.. I meant the bird