Feathered Meals

2 days ago

After having arrived in majestic Puerto Rico, it was time to refuel with some food and drink. Not far from the hotel, there was a restaurant that sold local and Mexican food. It also had an outdoor patio facing the streets. Sitting out in the patio with the cool sea breeze was a welcome respite from the heat.

The palms swayed lazily along the street. How ideal!

As I was enjoying my drink, I noticed that there were a few birds hanging around. There was a small black one that darted here and there around the tables. I later found out it was a grackle. They have sleek smart bodies that glisten in the sun. I couldn’t help but notice how similar in behaviour they were to crows. I remember staring at them and thinking, there’s a keen avian intelligence in there. Although similar to crows, the grackles are not a related species and have more in common with orioles.

Here's a grackle checking me out

Then there were the pigeons. They looked smaller than the ones back home and a few were lighter in colour.

Partners in crime

Both species were hanging out in peaceful communion looking for scraps of food around the tables of the busy restaurant.

On the prowl

The atmosphere in the restaurant was upbeat with music that had a tropical joie de vivre. As I was grooving and checking out the scene, I heard a commotion behind me.

"Woahh! What the hell!" shouted a man.

I turned and saw that one of the pigeons had climbed onto one of the tables where a group of tourists were eating their meals. The bird flapped its surprisingly large wings as it tried to grab food with its claws. Plates and cutlery rattled! Men shouted! Ladies squealed! Finally, they managed to get it off the table.

The group seemed rattled by the astonishing turn of events, particularly a man who had gotten his arm all scratched up in the melee.

This was the pigeon that jumped on the table. Here he is looking at me as if saying, "you're next!" Just look at those claws!

I was shook up myself from the pigeon attack, and I wasn't even with their group. I looked around and realized I was surrounded by the flying food pirates. My meal had not yet arrived, but now I was having second thoughts about staying there. I realized I would not be able to relax with the pigeons, who were sure to be attracted to my tostones and tacos, so it was time to take the party indoors.

The waiter was amused after hearing the tale.

“No way! That has never happened before,” he said laughing. “People who come from abroad don’t know that all you have to do is when the pigeon approaches you, you have to go like this 'chwooo!' He leaned forward and waved his arms as if dismissing some imaginary pigeon. “Then they don’t bother you.”

Fascinating! But the idea of having to be constantly vigilant didn't appeal to me, and I kind of liked the Pulp Fiction decor inside the restaurant anyway.

So, it was decided, indoor pigeon-less dining was just fine.