Eagle Abuse
The eagles were out in force, today. I saw three (not all at the same time): two baldies and a golden. Unfortunately, the gulls were also about, and not at all willing to share their patch. Every eaglish glimpse I caught was brief: I’d be alerted to the presence of something interesting by the chorus of gullie squawks, and look up to see an eagle being chased over the rooftops, and away.
Every time a righteous bird of prey comes sailing over the water, this happens! Every single time! THIS is why I never get a proper look at one. THIS, right here! Come on, eagle; turn around and peck that gull.
Abused Crow
I’m afraid my pictures of the crow are no better than those of the eagle: my primary concern is to stay out of the injured bird’s way, and let him eat as much as he can. He seems more wary of me than usual, in his battered condition. Now is not the time to stick my lens in his face. I have, however, managed to sneak a few shots from under the windowledge and behind the railing. I think one can really see progress, here (in terms of the crow’s condition, not my proficiency with the camera):
He doesn’t seem to be able to bend his legs, to spring into the sky. Nonetheless, here he comes! He uses his wings to launch, with only a slight push from his good foot. It looks quite laborious, but apparently gets the job done.
Here, he can be seen standing on both legs. Clearly, he’s very wobbly; as soon as he found a comfortable position, he sat back down. But it’s a positive sign that he’s still getting some use out of his damaged leg, however limited.
He hasn’t stopped for a mid-dinner squawk, on the right. He just has terrible table manners, and is chewing with his beak open. (Inasmuch as one can describe a bird as “chewing,” that is. Or as having table manners.) I’ve noticed he’s very quiet, since his injury. He no longer squawks upon arrival or departure, or during his meal. This is probably to avoid attracting unwanted competition.
Proof of Outdoorsiness
It’s a row of mailboxes. Clearly, it isn’t QUITE outside. But I did keep going, after taking this picture. I wasted most of my outdoor time trying to find and photograph a dragonfly (unsuccessfully), so this is what you get.
