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Monday, June 11, 2012

How June Flies

There are a lot of advantages to growing up in the city - when I think of one, I'll share it with you.

Actually, city life exposes you to a variety of social and cultural experiences - from having a choice between Thai to Indian curry to knowing the gangster code name for the police. But wildlife? Not unless you consider a raccoon stealing chicken from your backyard barbecue a National Geographic event.

That's why it was a real treat for the last school trip, when Zuki's second grade class went to the Gantry park to see a touring raptor show called "Birds of Prey." I volunteered to escort citing the dangers of taking the subway with a bunch of second graders - but the truth of it was, I wanted to see a real live eagle.

It was hot. The 7 train was a mess. Together, they were a hot mess. But to see the affect wild animals have on kids was worth it. It's ironic how the call of the wild is the very thing that calms seven year old beasts. Then again, to be told that the falcon was eying a chihuahua earlier probably hit home.

To say the kids were in awe would be an understatement - they've never seen birds like this. Perhaps kids growing up in Texas see seven-foot wing spans on a daily basis, like the one pictured here. Kind of scary, but I'd take this guy over a bunch of filthy pigeons any day.

Is that a Pterodactyl?

Of course when Zuki found out that the barn owl is an effective mouse exterminator, he asked if we could have one as a pet. You have to admit, it is a beautiful bird.


My house may be a pig sty but it ain't no barn. So the answer was "No. We can't have a barn owl for a pet."

Zuki nodded and I figured he understood. "Then can we get a falcon?"

14 comments:

  1. So funny! A barn owl? A falcon? Of course that is more logical than the tamer parakeet. :) I am so jealous of all those yummy restaurants- although, we are in Virginia right now and eating exotic food all the time. Heaven! If you ever want to see some odd critters, you guys need to come to South Texas. :)

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    1. Yes, my boys still ask to see that glue trap picture you posted. And that's just critters in your garage, right?

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  2. Maybe he's hoping that you'd compromise and offer a cat to do the mouse hunting. ;-).

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    1. He's already asked for a cat. We are that (fingers two inches apart) close to giving in.

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  3. A falcon would make a great pet. But I bet you're barbecues would be pretty thin.

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    1. Speaking of thin, wonder if they'd pluck off thin homeless folks...something to make you go "hmmmm."

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  4. Replies
    1. I said "maybe." Who knows, it just might work out - if I can find a friggin falcon for sale.

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  5. Birds would be cool pets if they would just poop in one spot instead of wherever they're standing.

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    1. Isn't it strange how they have no butt-hole muscles and yet they fly? Mother Nature has one wicked sense of humor.

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  6. Lily'd love, love, LOVE to have a bird of some sort...any kind...just something with feathers. A few weeks back, one flew overhead and took a super-mega-poop right on her head. You'd think that'd end her love affair with 'em, but no. Now, not only are they cool and pretty...they're freakin' hilarious.

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  7. Must not have been pigeon poop. That stuff is nasty - even for homeless people.

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  8. Oooh, a possible feathered friend for Zuki and Samu ?? Interesting.
    We had a couple of birds when I was growing up. They all died within days of being with us. I think birds are actually more maintenance than we think. Well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it :P

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    1. Birds are high maintenance. I'd say they're up there with blonds!

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