Yesterday, after backing out of the parking space from the back of my building, I continued down the alley. Right in front of me, and right next to the back of the car wash place, was something I could not identify but it was in my way. Some garbage? A cat hanging out? Some wood?

Oh, no. It was a hawk atop its freshly killed pigeon pray. As I came to a stop and fumbled for my camera (of course), the hawk rose into the air and dropped the pigeon, aiming it towards the top of the cinder block fence at the back of the car wash but missing and almost hitting my car. I, smartly, moved on and pulled out of the alley. In the air were dozens of ravens, all making a “Red alert! HAWK!” cry — the air was abuzz with it.

About 15 years ago I was sitting in the living room of our beautiful and serene family beach house, alone and minding my own business, watching the sea and the little sparrows hopping around outside on the patio. Suddenly, a raven descended on a sparrow — and within the space of two minutes, tops, the raven had popped the sparrow’s head off, plucked most of the feathers from the body, and flown off with what’s left.

AAAAAAAH, two horrifying bird stories, off my chest! It was a pleasure doing business with you.