Pecking Order

Pecking Order

[Or the beach drama of the Killdeer, the Seagull, and the Turkey Vulture.]

I witnessed a power struggle between a Turkey Vulture, a Seagull, and a Killdeer—three very differently sized species—all vying for some meat off a dead fish that had washed ashore. This took place on the wee beach at the Port of Wheatley.

Surprisingly (to me, at least), when I arrived, there was a flock of Turkey Vultures on the sand at the west end of the beach.

I’ve never seen Turkey Vultures on the beach before—this beach or any other, for that matter. One of the vultures became aware that the seagull was nibbling on the fish and wandered over to investigate and claim the prize for himself. And, just like that, Mr. Seagull became the first to be dispatched. He quickly walked away, feigning nonchalance all the while.

Undaunted by the vulture’s size, and made of much sterner stuff than the seagull (such is the power of us women), the Killdeer remained in the hunt.

But trouble was brewing. Another vulture decided to throw his hat in the ring.

The Original Vulture (“OV”) was having none of this. He turned and voiced a warning.

When the interloper failed to heed his warning, OV actually bit his leg!

Young Ms. Killdeer sensed the commotion would give her a chance at the fish. Unfortunately…

Having soundly trounced his challenger, OV turned his attention back to the carrion. With a snarl at the Killdeer, he dispatched her too—and at a good pace. Finally, to the victor went the spoils (and, looking at it, I’m thinking it was very spoiled indeed).

I’ll leave the actual eating to your imagination. Trust me, you don’t want to see that bit!

Pecking Order

Upon the sand at Wheatley’s port,
A drama played, of standard sort.
A ring-billed gull, a killdeer small,
And one great vulture, grim and tall.

They gathered near the water’s edge,
To claim a prize upon the ledge—
A washed-up fish, a pungent prize,
Beneath the open, summer skies.

The seagull fled with casual grace,
Pretending not to lose the race.
The killdeer stayed, with bolder heart,
Determined still to play her part.

But might is right when giants fight,
And shadow took the morning light.
The vulture claimed the spoiled prize,
As lesser wings sailed to the skies.

’Til next time, y’all…