Although I have received some wonderful feedback on my first two blog posts, I am going to take a detour for one or two posts. It seems my random musings on love came across a bit sad. Although there is an element of sadness to the topic of love, there can be happiness also. But until I learn to express my thoughts in a more positive manner, I'll blog about something silly instead. :-)
A few days ago on my way to work, I had a front row seat to one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time. Real life Angry Birds. True story. But, instead of little piggies, the target of the avian anger was a terrified squirrel.
As I was waiting to make a turn at a stoplight downtown, on the sidewalk across the street I saw a squirrel running toward the intersection. I should clarify. This squirrel was not just running, he was fleeing for his life. I could see the terror in his cute little widened, hazel-colored eyes. I could see the terror in his frantic pace as he pumped each leg forward at breakneck speed on the curved section of sidewalk approaching the intersection.
Then, before I could process any of this, I saw the source of his fear. A bird. Then another. Then two more. Almost instantly, nearly a dozen birds materialized behind this fleeing squirrel. It was clear the birds were targeting him, as they flew almost in a wedge formation just a few inches above the pavement.
Suddenly, two of the birds broke formation and dove at the squirrel's back, each delivering a vicious jab with their beak. As they slid back into formation, a few more took their place delivering the aerial assault.
Just before reaching the intersection, the squirrel flung himself into a densely-limbed fir tree. Unable to pursue their target into the prickly cover of needles, the birds, in unison, pulled up hard and fast. Ascending into a vertical climb, the birds avoided a potentially embarrassing collision.
As quickly as they came, the birds reversed course and disappeared around the corner.
Having grown up in the South, I knew exactly what had happened. Mr. Squirrel had invaded a bird nest, most likely in an attempt to enjoy a small meal of flightless hatchlings. In the South, mockingbirds were brutal and fearless in the defense of their nests and their young. I have been dive-bombed from behind many times simply for straying too close to a nest I never knew existed.
These birds were mad. They were upset. They were Angry Birds.
One word for this post. Ready?
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Okay, here it goes...
HILARIOUS.
I felt sorry for the poor squirrel - until I got to the part where he was trying to eat the fledglings.
ReplyDeleteFunny post! Nature can definitely entertain. :P
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