The buzzard had slowed down. They were now over a large body of water that they followed to where it bottlenecked. Just beyond that was a waterfall next to a clearing that featured a meadow of wild flowers. There were several birds of different species. They were lounging about, some sipping on exotic-looking drinks. There was a buffet of fish, crawdads and other assorted aquatic small creatures. Next to it stood two cranes, both standing on just one leg. They periodically sampled the buffet while listening intently to whatever it was being said by a large Osprey who had his wings open apparently in an attempt to show his audience how large something was: perhaps a fish. The Osprey turned his attention toward the buzzard when he became aware it was there. “Buzzy! Old friend. You have that look about you that you get when you go drinking at the inn. Is that where you’ve been old chum?” The Osprey asked. Buzzy waddled up to the Osprey in a dizzy manner and said, “I’d like to introduce my new friends. This is … uh .. and that’s uh … “ Anna jumped in. “This is Dan the Dam Duck and I am Anna.” “And I’m Buzzy!” He said with a slur. “I’ve got to warn you!” “I’m called Ozzy.” The big Osprey stated. “What are you warning us about Buzzy?” Buzzy fell over. Apparently mixing flying with drinking was a bad idea. Anna went over and helped Buzzy back on his feet. Dan pushed Buzzy out of the way and he fell down again. Dan paid him no attention and instead said, “The Geese Police are not far behind us.” Suddenly the place lost its vacation-like atmosphere and birds of all species appeared where there had been none. They began moving around in a hurry. A trash can was emptied of its cans and bottles. The birds began piling papers into it. Next Ozzy struck a match and threw it into the trash can. A large billow of flame rose out of the trash can. next page |  |