18

Moribund Call

Bird populations may be reduced by various human actions that cause death, egg destruction, and direct or indirect environmental devastation.

—G. Gordon’s Field Guide to the Birds of the Pacific Northwest

Once upon a time there was a baby crow.

They said he needed a good spanking.

The baby crow said he did not want to wear that jacket because it was much too tight and too scratchy and the music was much too loud.

No, thank you, Mama, he said. No, thank you! No, Mama, thank you!

Feels like too much. Too much too much! No, please, thank you!

They said he was very naughty, very naughty.

Once upon a time there was a baby crow.

He felt very sad, and he wanted to fly away.