Dances with Gulls

Summary

A person observes and admires a crow (later identified as a raven) exhibiting unusual flight behavior reminiscent of gulls, reflecting on the playfulness and skill of the bird.

Abstract

The author describes an encounter with a crow that displays uncharacteristic flight patterns, gliding and swooping like a gull. The bird's acrobatic prowess and apparent joy in flight lead the observer to marvel at its capabilities. Initially puzzled by the novelty of this behavior, the observer later learns that the bird is actually a raven, which explains the unique flying style. The piece concludes with the author reflecting on the raven's attitude and the rarity of witnessing such exuberance in birds, coining the nickname "Dances with Gulls" for the raven.

Opinions

The author is captivated by the bird's flight, finding it both awe-inspiring and unusual.
There is a sense of admiration for the bird's agility and the freedom it exhibits in the air.
The author initially mistakes the raven for a crow due to its behavior, indicating a perceived rarity in such displays among crows.
The author expresses a personal connection to the raven's behavior, reflecting a deeper appreciation for nature's surprises.
The nickname "Dances with Gulls" conveys the author's playful interpretation of the raven's interaction with its environment.

The Irreverent Crow

Irreverent crow in flight No wonder they call him Dances with Gulls

A crow with an attitude. Gliding and swooping through the morning air just like a gull. Almost honking. Enjoying flight, this crow. Proud of what he can do (or, of course, she can do — I haven’t a clue about telling them apart), this crow. Another loop, and a banking, and a rising: acrobatic, this crow.

I could not help holding up and just aweing at him/her.

And as I awed, I asked myself, how come of all the crows I meet each walk, I have never seen this behavior before — this, yes, playfulness. This exuberance. This display of skill. This dancing with gulls?

Part of the answer arrived some days later. This was not a crow — they don’t glide like this one did, never do — but ravens do.

Ah, a raven with an attitude then.

Dances with Gulls

Dances with Gulls

The Irreverent Crow

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