Order

There came a certain unassuming afternoon when Hawk and Crow showed up together in the same backyard. A very unusual occurrence, because the two are both so wary of, uh, 'different' company. After some tense silence, Hawk spoke first.

"So you like this yard, so do I!", the brash Hawk always led with his prideful ego. Crow, feeling more cautious, simply remained still. As he tracked Hawk with one eye, the other searched about for some lunch. "No need for you to stay", Hawk continued, "I'm here for the rest of the afternoon!" 

Crow was already getting annoyed, feeling like Hawk was trying to take advantage of him. "What makes you so special?", Crow asks, trying hard to sound tough. "Why, it's my strength and courage! You see I'm Hawk, right?" He stared at Crow sideways, hoping that would be enough to shoo him off, but Crow stared back, squaring his jaw for a likely fight he didn't even want to avoid now. After all, he couldn't stand these big and rude ones. Hawks have to learn they cannot bully their way around, Crow resolved, also noticing his own fast breath had quickened to battle mode. 

Just then, the high-pitched squeak of a screen door disrupted the escalating backyard drama, and a tall, elderly lady wearing an old SLR camera and zoom lens came out holding a wide bowl of bird goodies. There were fruits, nuts, even a bit of sliced corn beef! 

Hawk and Crow could smell their treats, so they both calmed their nerves. The lady smiled broadly, setting her gift down on the grass, then went back inside her tiny house. 

Crow just sighed when, predictably, Hawk took the first turn at the lovely bowl, knowing that some things in the pecking order will never change.