the last photo is my contest entry
now you must have heard the expression flip the bird. and surely you know the meaning of it. perhaps you've even flipped a bird or two in your days but did you ever pause to consider the origin of this curious asseveration.
whether you have or not doesn't really matter because either way i am going to reveal it. right here and now.
you see there were these three pied oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus) gathered on the rocks by the sea. it was an exceptionally icy windy december day. none of them were in a particularly good mood- they were cold, hungry and a little wet. after having stood still, facing into the rising wind for what seemed to be forever, the one on the left known as haema suggested they find something to eat rather than just stand there. oddly enough the other two just stood there in silence.
"i'm freezing and i'm hungry!" haema cried.
still no response from the other two.
"what's the matter are you two frozen stiff??"
again no sign of life from the others
"that's it. i'm outta here!"
that's when the other two sparked to life and commenced screeching and squawking, as only oystercatchers can.
"don't leave! you can't go!! just wait!!!"
but haema had waited far too long already. suddenly a gust of wind ruffled his feathers and it just happened. he flipped the bird to the other two and went on his way