HalfBeak - the UnderBird

HalfBeak is a crow - with a handicap. The upper half of his beak, from the nostrils forward is missing - a casualty of some freak accident. Perhaps he stuck it where it didn't belong, and ended up paying the price. HalfBeak's mishap occurred about 3 years ago - before that, he was just one of the neighborhood crows. One thing is for certain - since the Missus laid eyes on him and his mangled beak, he's never had a hungry day. She's a sucker for an underdog... I mean, an underbird.

HalfBeak is a loner. Crows are usually gregarious and exhibit fascinating social behavior, but this bird is often alone. I wonder if others of his clan shun him? Crows, after all, are all about the Schnozz. Sure, they have a striking black mantle, but they don't have what anyone would call a beautiful voice. The Schnozz - that's what crows have - that's crow mojo!

HalfBeak sits on the garage roof where he can peer into our kitchen window. He waits on this conspicuous perch until the Missus brings out his dinner - stale bread or popcorn, assorted leftovers - anything except tomatoes. Crows, we have noticed, will not touch a tomato. (I wonder what they know, that we don't?)

The Missus has confessed to buying day-old bakery items to feed HalfBeak and his clan - nutritious, whole grain food at the lowest possible price. They have a little routine at feeding time. First she throws the choicest tidbits on the walkway directly under HalfBeak's perch. Then she scatters the rest in the driveway for the clan. We have come to know HalfBeak well, and look forward to daily visits from the UnderBird.

Good Luck and Good Fishin'!
-Random Phrump