A Bird's Life

Made in Summer 2013


It was a nice summer day in California. The sun was out, the ocean was a brilliant blue color and everyone was in a cheerful mood. People relaxed on the beach, went shopping, played in the ocean or took a nice walk. Some people liked to fly kites or play with Frisbees on the green grass.

         La Jolla cove hotel was a great place to relax, have breakfast on the roof and swim in the pool. It was also a good place for weddings to be held in the summer. Right across from the hotel was a nice green field. In a tree near the green field was a pigeon colony. All the pigeons were resting after a long search for food.

          Richard was the leader of the pigeon colony. He was respected by the other pigeons. He fell in love with a pretty pigeon named Mary. They both liked to talk, fly, and help other types of birds. Soon, four baby pigeons hatched.

         Eduardo, Sam, Violet and Evan were the chick’s names. Eduardo was a warrior pigeon who fought the other bird clans. For many years, the crows, the pigeons and the seagulls fought over food and territory. Eduardo helped the pigeons collect worms, find caves and guard the cliffs from the seagulls. He died when a seagull knocked him off a cliff into the ocean.

          Sam was the smartest pigeon when he was in school. He was a member of the pigeon hierarchy led by Richard. He betrayed his family and joined the seagulls. He was upset with the way his father ruled the colony and decided to join the enemy. He liked the seagull’s hierarchy better and described them as very organized.

          Violet was the third oldest and different than her siblings. She was the calm, peaceful pigeon. She always tried to make the three bird clans share the food and territory. She would also do anything to protect her family.

          Evan was the youngest of the four. He was energetic, outgoing and had a great imagination. Evan would be willing to grab food from the roof, fight other birds and do other adventurous acts. Evan wanted to be like his big brother Eduardo, but his parents had different thoughts.

          One time, the pigeons got on the railing of the hotel roof. They were watching people eat their breakfast. “Yeah,” bellowed Evan excitedly. “Let’s get those bagels!” Richard pecked him on his side. “Shh,” he screeched. Then he chirped in a lower voice, “Don’t just start flying in. The humans are dangerous. You need to wait until they aren’t looking.”  “Please,” said Evan in a sweet voice.

          His father was about to answer when suddenly, the people started to leave the table. Evan looked around and spotted jam in a small container. ‘Now is my chance,’ he thought. He flew to the jam container and grabbed it in his beak. Nearby on the railing, some big seagulls were watching him.

          The two seagulls were strong and mean-looking. “Come on,” said Marcus to his companion. “Let’s get that jam. I am so hungry!” “Oh, look down there,” said Gordon. He was pointing to Evan. “What a silly bird,” he sneered. “Those pigeons think that they can defeat us seagulls and our master.”

          ‘Now I am a brave pigeon,’ Evan thought. ‘I am like my brother! My father and mother will be so proud of me!’ He was so into thinking himself a hero that he smashed into a pole and dropped the jam. The seagulls were laughing and sticking their tongues at Evan. “Man, he is a loser,” laughed Marcus. “I agree,” squawked Gordon. “He is such a klutz. Let’s get that jam!” They swooped down and grabbed the jam before Evan could stop them. “Ha! Great pigeon indeed,” taunted Gordon. The two seagulls flew to the caves.

          Richard flew over to his son who was lying on the ground in tears. “I am disappointed in you, son,” Richard said. “You put yourself in danger. The humans could have hit you or do other bad things to you. I told you not to fly straight in. I will not lose another child of mine. I lost two already.” For disobeying his father, Evan had to stay in the tree and organize the seed pile. ‘Why do I have to do all the work,’ he complained to himself. ‘I wanted to show him how great a warrior I could be. Someday, he will truly believe in me.’

          The years passed and Evan grew up. He became more independent and became more aware of what was going on. However, he still had the adventurous spirit in him. When there was a war between and the crows and the pigeons, he showed his father how great he was.

          The pigeons and the crows were fighting over bread crumbs on the sidewalk. When two crows tackled a warrior pigeon, Evan knocked them over and rescued his companion. He also led the army to safe spots where it was easier to attack and hide.

          Evan and the crow leader Midnight were talking to each other near the palm trees. “I have a few extra crumbs for your men,” Evan explained to him. “We have more food and a better home than you and your crows do, so here are some extra crumbs.”  He placed some crumbs into the crow’s black feathers. Midnight remained speechless. “Are you sure this is not a trick,” he asked with a suspicious look. Evan stared at him with serious and somewhat tearful eyes. After a moment, Midnight was able to speak. “T-t-thank you,” he stuttered. He too had tears in his eyes, but these were tears of joy and shock. Finally, Midnight ordered his men to leave and they flew after him to an alley where they lived.

          “I am proud of you son,” said Richard to Evan after a while. “You have showed me who a true warrior is. You are so brave.” From then on, Evan helped his family and helped others in need. The crow clan was a poor group and they didn’t have much food. However, they were running out of food and they needed those crumbs. “It takes real courage to do what you did, said Richard.  “No one else as ever thought of talking with the leader. Even I didn’t have the guts to speak to him.” Evan beamed and his heart warmed up. He felt like a pigeon warrior at last.

   Evan continued to protect the pigeon clan. In fact, he was one of the most popular members of the clan. He was busy most of the time. He had to fly threw obstacle courses, make plans with others, study pigeon history and learn how to be a proper leader when his father leaves his post.

Like many of the pigeon warriors, he fell in love. Evan fell in love with a female seagull named Claire. Claire had a personality like Violet and was kind to everyone. She was the daughter of Catlin, wife of Henry. Henry was the strong, cruel leader of the seagulls. His objective was to take over all the clans and become the most powerful bird ruler ever.

By bird law, it was forbidden to marry another type of bird.  For years both Evan and Claire begged their parents to be together, but their parents said no. Midnight had a son named Bob. Bob and Violet fell in love, too. Like Claire’s and Evan’s situation, Midnight and Richard said no when their children wanted to hang out together.

The war between the three clans continued and got worse. Also the struggle to find true love was increasing. The chaos started when Claire and Evan went on their first date. After eating delicious worms and sharing their first kiss, the birds watched the sun set behind the ocean. Later, they flew together in the moonlight. After a moment, Evan looked around. “Where is my sister,” he asked.

Just then, Evan heard a scream. “It came from the caves,” he cried. “Follow me!” They flew to the caves and a horrible sight met their eyes. Henry had captured Violet and Bob. Midnight and Richard landed outside the large cave and shouted at Henry. “Let our children go,” they ordered.

Henry grinned. “I will let your children go if both of you give me your food and territory. Your people will have to leave this place forever. Otherwise I would be happy to drown them.” Violet gave a shriek of fear. “No,” said Midnight. “The bird clans have been living here for hundreds of years! You can’t make us leave!” “What other choice do we have,” asked Richard. “Giving up our land is the only way of saving our children!”

After a moment, Richard and Midnight agreed to give the land to Henry the next day.  After that, Bob, Violet, Richard, Midnight, Claire and Evan had to sleep in the caves so they could be watched. Quietly, the six birds snuck out of the caves and took flight. “We have to speak to the Pelican Master of the birds,” said Richard. “We need all the help we can get.”

They flew to the golf course near La Jolla hotel. For a moment there was silence, not an eerie silence, but a relaxing peaceful one. “Get off my lawn,” someone screeched though the quiet. A large pelican holding a golf club and a golf ball revealed himself to the birds. “Are you bird brains crazy,” he asked. “This is the only time I can play golf and the Pelican Master doesn’t want to be disturbed. Off you go.”

“We need your help,” cried Midnight. The pelican glared at him. “I don’t want to be involved in the war between the three clans,” he said. The leaders keep coming to me for advice on how to defeat the other team. It gets really annoying. Why can’t there be tranquility and loyalty between the clans instead?” “I totally agree with you, sir,” said Violet. “In fact, the crows and pigeons seem to be on friendly terms right now.”

The pelican master gasped. “That has never happened before in many years. What’s going on?” Richard told him about Henry and his horrible plans. “We can’t have that,” said the pelican. “We must do something to save ourselves. I will join you and the crows tonight to plan for battle. Remember, you can only fight at night or the humans will become suspicious of out acts.” They set off to the green field to make plans.

The next night, all the birds met on the green field. Henry spoke over the chirping and chattering. “I demand the crows and pigeons to leave the land at once!” “We will never leave this land,” shouted Midnight. “Do what he says,” called Sam, Henry’s second in command. “Never,” shouted Richard. The war had begun.

There was flying, screeching, cawing, pecking and screams as the Pelicans, crows and pigeons fought the large seagull army. The three bird leaders were fighting on a large cliff with waves splashing over the rocks. Henry had knocked Midnight unconscious and Richard was in trouble. “Ha,” Henry laughed. “Soon you will end up like your son.” “It was you,” howled Richard with rage. “You murdered my son!” “What else could I do,” said Henry lazily. “He took our caves and food from us.”

“You birds are crazy morons,” sneered Henry. “You do no good in this world.” “You are lying,” said Richard. “We pigeons never did you any real harm. All you seagulls do is boss us around and treat the poor crows like slaves!” Henry squawked and flapped his feathers. He was getting ready to fight when Evan flew down. “Leave my dad alone, tuna breath!”

In three seconds, he was on the seagull’s back, holding on with his feet and pecking him on the back of the head. Henry was strong enough to knock him off his back and throw him in front of Sam. “Get him,” Henry called to Sam. Evan expected to feel a sharp beak and hard talons, but Sam didn’t move. Shock filled his face as he looked at his brother and father.

Richard was underneath Henry. Richard was almost to the edge of the cliff. The waves soaked both of them with ice cold salt water. Henry grinned; his large foot holding Richard down. “Any last words,” he asked. Richard did not speak. Suddenly, something grey crashed into Henry and knocked him off the cliff.

The seagulls had retreated. Bob, Violet and some pigeons flew over. Evan looked toward the green field and gasped. Claire was wounded, lying on the grass and she didn’t move. Evan flew over to see if she was alright. Birds can’t really cry so instead, Evan hung his head in shame. Evan put his head to her heart. He cooed in a low tone, “Please be alive, my love. Please be alive.”

Evan was filled with despair. “Wake up! Wake up!” The pelican master came over, opened her beak and poured water from his own beak into hers. Claire opened her eyes and got up. “Wow thanks for that. I got really thirsty and dizzy.” “You’re alive,” Evan cried, giving her a small hug.

“I am really sorry father,” said Sam. Being a supporter of Henry is not important anymore. My family is who I should support. I thought I would have a ‘proper’ life at first. Now I know that my true life is with you.” Richard hugged his son, speechless. “I am proud but also disappointed,” said Richard after a moment. You can get a large fried worm for dinner, but you must organize food and fix the tree house for a week.” “Come on everyone,” said Richard. “Let’s get ready for the feast tomorrow evening.”

The feast was grand in the evening. Every crow, pigeon and pelican young and old attended. Even the good seagulls joined in the fun. The bad seagulls were sent away forever. All the birds were healed up and ready to eat. The feast was held on the beach. The food consisted of slimy worms, crunchy bugs, hard seeds and fresh fish. It doesn’t sound too good to us humans, but was considered a delicacy to the birds.

The food was served on leaf plates, no napkins included. The Seagulls and pigeons went swimming together in the ocean while the crows had fun playing ‘Duck, Duck, Goose.’   The pelicans stood by a cave and told ghost stories and bird myths. Above all, everyone was enjoying themselves more than ever before.

After everyone was settled, the pelican master called the birds to attention. The birds flew over to face him. “I would like to say a few words,” he said. “Richard and I had a talk and we agreed on some rules.” “Where’s Midnight,” asked a black crow. “He’s gone,” said the pelican. There was a sudden hush. “He is lying in the cave over there. Henry knocked him out too much.”  A terrible wave of sadness swept over the birds. Evan, Violet, Richard, Claire, Bob and Mary entered the cave.

Midnight was nowhere to be seen. All they could see was fish bones and shells of seeds. “RARRRR!!!!” A horrible bird with a skull mask jumped out. The birds jumped ten feet in the air. The pelican was outside laughing.  “Nice one Midnight.” “Midnight!” cried Richard. He lifted the mask. “You are alright,” “Yes,” he said. “Dad,” smiled Bob and rushed in. “I was afraid that—““You were afraid that I was dead,” said Midnight. “Mary healed me up fair and square.” “You and the pelican master were part of the trick,” said Richard laughing. “Don’t you ever do that again!” When Midnight and the others came out, everyone cheered.

“All right guys,” said the pelican master.  Everyone fell silent. “Now I am talking serious. Richard will make a speech now.” Richard stepped forward. “Good evening to you all. Midnight, the pelican and I have made new rules. Any bird who tries to kill another will be banished from the clan forever. Next, the crows will hereby live with us, share our food and leave the streets.” There was an eruption of cheering from the crows.

Richard continued, “Finally, after long moments of thought, the three of us have decided to break bird tradition. Different species of birds can marry with permission under safety requirements.” Evan, Violet, Bob and Claire couldn’t believe what they had just heard. “Yay,” whispered Claire to Evan. “We can be together.” “One more thing to say,” called Richard.” “I would like to announce two lovely couples. Come up here please.” The four birds did. “I had a chat with Midnight and Catlin yesterday. We all agreed to let your children do what they want.” “Thank you dad,” said Evan. “It is our dream to be together.”

In the end, Claire, Evan, Violet and Bob, had children and ruled the clans later on. Sam became Evan’s supporter. The clans got along and lived good lives. Also, the weddings for Claire, Bon, Violet and Evan were a great success. The birds nudged each other as the orange sun set over the sparkling ocean.  Pigeons, seagulls and crows are still at La Jolla today and no one knows what they will do next.