Conditions were not ideal for the Junior Ornithologists’ Bird Watching Expedition and Nature Luncheon. Cold winds and stinging sleet kept most of the would-be ornithologists at home. Only those kids whose parents had been banking on a day of quiet were in attendance. After ponchos and binoculars were distributed, their leader Guffrey led the group onto the trail.
“Now, children,” Guffrey whispered. “If you see a bird, don’t shout! Instead, tap your neighbor on the shoulder and point. Then we can all enjoy the fun!” The children nodded grimly.
Guffrey was unpacking sandwiches around noon when someone tapped his shoulder.
“What is it?” He asked without looking. He felt another, more urgent, tap.
A looming shadow blotted out the sky. Guffrey glanced up in time to see an adult Roc go into a spectacular dive toward them.
“Kids look!” He pointed giddily, before his ribs were crushed by enormous talons.
Jess
