Nesting Sun
Pelican conductors: "Sing!"
Scout, Grog #6
1 of 3 Inkling fledglings
Grog & Sunshine*
5 of the 6 Grog Gang
The young Inklings are out. As they study from the cliff the bush and bees, skywaves of pelicans spot them and jot them down--three new notes to their make-shift, wing-bearing song. The raven fledglings watch the pelicans drift, dipping to the Pacific, adding wave-crash and gull-screech as chorus to the graceful order of their line which reminds these corvid half-notes that they, too, can fly and up they go, following their parents, Edgar Allan Inkling and Lenore.
The Grog Six have not only survived but are a force of nature. They own the cove by working together. They can de-snack a seagull, one or two distracting it, pulling a tail while another jumps in for the dropped morsel or use their numbers to intimidate the young Moro even though he is larger. They are quick, sharp and endearing.
The Grog Six are also competitive with each other, a good survival tactic. They remain in some proximity to their parents who appear to be in the last phase of kid control--still providing food, following the trail of inept caching and gobbling up the precious wasted bits, flying in quickly to break up fights, raising the alarm to danger and frequent scolding before simply looking on, shocked feathers raised but silent.
The three Moros, on the other hand, form a perfect triangle. Only the exuberance of their flight occasionally shifts their form, loyal and devoted. The Pips and Jets hunt the hills as much as the beach and join in the greater society of ravens living landward.
Now that nests are abandoned, there is nothing to contain these ravens. Lifting with the breeze or of their own volition, against cloud, surf or vast sea, these black stars fold the blue sky under their wings. Grog tucks his Sunshine*. Night is come. "Prepare to climb unto the stars."
Photos through generosity of Diana @ravendiairies.com. Thank you!
