Earlier this week, I visited the Missouri River floodplain on a cold but sunny morning. Rounding a curve, I caught sight of two birds, feeding on a deer carcass. To my surprise, one was a red-tailed hawk and the other was an American crow.
Mortal enemies on most days (at least from the crow's perspective), they tolerated each other's presence, picking away at the remains. Perhaps hunger, following a long, frigid night, was responsible for their agreeable behavior but they seemed to represent the spirit of the Season.
Though nature is not sentimental, it was an inspiring scene. Happy Holidays!
