An Interspecies Conversation
Helliwell Park, low tide, no wind, and a warm winter sun. Just a few feet from the high water mark, Edwin, a huge brown headed eagle with great yellow talons clutches to the head a dead seal. Edwin is magnificent. With masterful confidence he rips strips of flesh and makes a show of swallowing an eyeball whole. Other eyes are watching Edwin. Most belong to an unkindness of ravens led by Ravi, a wise old fowl of almost fifty summers. The unkindness is comprised of old Ravi and his proteges … they hover, flap and fidget nearby on the slippery tidal rocks within a 30 foot radius of Edwin. Also watching is an old man and his old dog. They are in a partial blind on a low bank about 50 feet away. After 20 minutes of non-threatening behaviour the avian actors allow them to remain as spectators with balcony seats in an outdoor amphitheatre.
Another 10 minutes pass … then Ravi lands centre stage beside the seal just outside Edwins reach and the lesson begins. Ravi struts back and forth in front of Edwin as if on a nonchalant Sunday stroll. Ravi doesn’t look at Edwin or the dead seal directly but continues to express respectful interest in Edwin’s prize. Occasionally from a standing position Edwin takes a swipe at Ravi but Ravi instantly responds jumping back only those inches necessary and continues non-aggressive, respectful posturing. As Ravi loiters he takes only fleeting glances at the seal. Ravi continues this dance for about 15 minutes, never looking Edwin directly in the eye and soon Edwin stops swiping at Ravi.
Suddenly Edwin stands tall, turns seaward, and with one great flap hops to a rock 30 feet away where he remains looking out to sea. Edwin doesn’t look directly as Ravi and his unkindness descend into the gore. For 15 minutes Edwin allows them access but remains aware of the proceedings with occasional glances from the corner of his eye. Then Edwin turns and with one great hop lands back on top of the seal as if to say… OK, you’ve had your feed, time’s up! Instantly responsive, the unkindness leaps into the air and departs.
The old man leaves the scene with his dog overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity of his avian relations for allowing their conversation to be witnessed.
Edwin is left to resume his business.