Bird Watching at the Seaward Inn - The Sounds of Silence

One particular morning there was an eerie sound of silence. No chirping, no squirrels, nothing was stirring; it was as if the world stood still. This was strange!

I turned on my computer to begin the morning's work. As I looked out my window I saw a big, strange looking bird perched on the fence where the honeysuckle grew. It didn't seem to want to move. I watched and in a few minutes I saw the most spectacular sight. The bird stretched up as tall as it could, fanned it's tail very wide while it's back feathers stood up much like a cat in danger. It then plunged atop a low bush, flushing out a little bird who had taken cover within. Simultaneously, Blackberry got into the act, foiling the big birds attempt at gripping the little bird in it's powerful claws. With Blackberry in hot pursuit, it just could not gain enough altitude and had to let go of it's prey.

I was relieved when the little bird escaped through the thick branches of a nearby tree. It's one thing to see these beautiful birds of prey on Animal Planet, devour their catch, it's quite another to witness "survival of the fittest" actions right before ones eyes.

I wondered if the bird would return to terrorize the area. The following morning, however, birds were, once again, singing, sea breezes were blowing into my office and Blackberry, ran out to patrol the area, assuring that our daily routine continued.