Kiwi Steals Extra Flying Time

Kiwi and Cocoa waited for their handlers to release them from their cage for their part in the Argelès Eagle show. They knew from the hubbub of voices that the green wooden seats surrounding the grassy performance arena were filled.

Then they were carried to their perches ready for take off and take off they did, swooping to the ahhhhs of crowd.
The day was perfect with blue, blue skies and thermals that carried them to their dreams.

All too soon, it was over and their handler whistled for them. Cocoa, always obedient, landed on the MC’s gloved hand to be put away.

Not today, thought Kiwi. She would come close to the handler, who was a great person as persons go, always having an extra treat for her and a caress when she flew

well.

Today she wanted to fly longer, to see the white walls of the Valmy castle, the scrub pines on the mountains, the sea. Let her handler whistle as much as he liked. Let him call her name. Let him hold up a treat. She was going to fly, fly, fly.

The next act came on and the next. The grouchy bald Eagle flapped and pandered to the crowd, as did the vultures with their necks tucked back. Kiki flew around watching, but tried not to upstage them. There were rules she wasn’t going to break. Also she didn’t want to hear them carping at her when they were all back in their roomy cages.

The dozen storks were airborn and performed their synchronized ballet high overhead before descending slowly, sticking out their legs for a smooth landing.

The show ended. Her handler was using the swinging bag trick, a long rope with a ball of meat on the end. Now, she thought, I will play his game. She would soar in but not take the bait and fly away.

A few of the audience remained watching. Kiwi loved the attention.

Finally her handler sent the ball of meat airborne…okay…that was it. She knew when she grabbed it, he would let her eat and then come and put her back in her cage. He wouldn’t be nasty, but happy to have her back. Playing hard to get was a good strategy. Kept her handler on his toes. Kiwi grabbed the meat and flew with it to the far corner of the field and ate as her handler approached.

Back in her cage Cocoa asked if she had a good time.

“Fantastic.” But she knew she didn’t want to be a wild bird. Life was too uncertain out in the wild. Here a cage kept her safe from predators, she had all the food she could eat, Cocoa’s company, and an occasional extra flying time. Yup! Life was fantastic here in Argelés.