The Other Coast by Adrian Raeside for June 02, 2023

I used to volunteer at a zoo. The keepers threw out frozen rats to the condors and they waited til thawed and smelly to eat them, even moving them into the sunlight themselves! The rats smelled pretty bad still frozen.

Is it soup yet?

Early bird get worm. Conditions apply.

Worm!

You wait too long, bird, and some seagull is going to steal your lunch.

Bird- ’I’ll be right back!’ It flies away, but quickly returns and drops a green twig, into the puddle. ’What’s that?’ asks the worm. ‘Rosemary! I like to add flavor!’ says the bird. Worm-‘What is wrong with you?!’

You keep that up, birdie, and someone else will grab the worm!

A steamy hot day might make the puddle a worm sized sous vide. Sealing it in a bag may be a challenge, but it keeps the flavors in. (perhaps some fresh grass clippings?)

They must be waiting for something else here. Worms come out during and after rain and slither across the patio, sidewalk, and driveway, and the birds ignore them. Perhaps someone can explain.

Bird is a closet vegan and trying to worm out of eating – worm…

I know it’s nature, the eating and being eaten – but it just makes me sad! Oh my, you poor little worm, lying there in the puddle now, knowingly waiting to die. ☹️