Revenge

A whimbrel raced up from the water’s edge carrying a mole crab. Seeing a gull ahead, the bird turned to follow the shoreline. A mistake that would prove costly. When another whimbrel appeared in its path, the first whimbrel slowed to change direction. The sudden start-stop motion dislodged the crab, which dribbled from the bird’s bill. The crab didn’t embed itself in the soft sand of the upper beach but bounced on the hard-packed sand and rolled downhill toward a third whimbrel emerging from the swash zone. For a moment, three whimbrels stood frozen in place, hovering over a mole crab experiencing the worst day of its life.

The whimbrel approaching from the swash zone was closest to the crab and made the first move. The wannabe thief jabbed its head forward to reach for the crab, while the original whimbrel jabbed its head forward to reach for the thief. It was an aggressive movement that scared the third whimbrel, who, despite having touched the crab, jumped back to avoid any harm. The second whimbrel, the one who had stayed out of the fray, then made the most curious decision of the entire event.

With two combatants engaged, the second whimbrel had a straightforward path to secure a meal. The mole crab, stripped of its telson and unable to dig, tortuously awaited its grim fate. A fate that would have to wait a little longer as the second whimbrel opted against an easy meal. The previously neutral bird took its turn to jab its head forward, plunging its bill into the side of the first bird. An unprovoked attack that knocked the original whimbrel off its feet. Its body collapsed around a piercing bill while the bird shrieked in surprise, anger and pain.

Lest anyone fear this crab was unwanted, the third whimbrel took advantage of the confusion. Lowering its body, the bird darted forward to seize the crab and escaped the fracas. The original bird, having recovered its balance, passed on the opportunity to fight for its meal and opted for revenge.

With wings held high and head held low, the first whimbrel charged toward the second. Previously unseen tendons and muscles transformed the bird’s legs. Legs that churned with unexpected power and fury. A fury that took the second bird by surprise. A surprise punctuated by an open bill thrust deep into its chest, lifting it off the ground and exposing the contours of the breastbone. Now the second bird shrieked in surprise, anger and pain.

Driven backwards, the second bird desperately flapped its wings, trying to rebalance itself, trying to gain lift. Twisting its body, it briefly separated from the attacker. It was only a momentary break as the first whimbrel poked its bill into the belly of the second bird. This second attack forced the bird to the ground and sent an unmistakable message. Sand flew as the second bird frantically hop-skipped away. Message received.