A beautiful parrot, otherwise known as "dinner".I begin this post by telling you that we have gained a whole new appreciation for birds since moving to Zambia. One of the first things we noticed were the sights and sounds of more birds than we ever knew existed. I mean, we even got attached to thirteen laying hens for goodness sake. We rescued a falcon from certain death after he flew into our window. I could go on and on but just know this...we like birds.
Imagine our delight when we discovered parrots as numerous the common robin at home. I'm talking about beautiful parrots. Some are green, others gray with bright red tails, all stunning in their own way. Okay, you get my drift...we enjoy most of the birds.
Early this morning I heard blood-curdling screeching close by. It sounded like something was being eaten alive--yes, I learned that sound shortly after arriving. Awhile later, the kids came running in saying Mom, get your camera...Robbie caught a parrot.
Silly me, I thought maybe he had rescued the poor creature. Isata stopped me as I flew out the back door saying, "Mommy, he SHOT the parrot. They are going to EAT it!" And with that, she started to cry.
The poor creature was still screeching as it was handled. After Robbie brought him down with a slingshot, he planned to keep it alive until time to go home for the day. Without refrigeration, animals are not killed until meal time. The fact that this bird was clearly suffering wasn't an issue.
As you can see by the picture above, Robbie is proud of his catch. He could not understand why we were upset over the whole situation. From his perspective, this was a gift, free meat. I get this. I understand it. But I can't stand the suffering part of it. If he is going to eat the thing, then do it NOW!
When I saw and heard the scene pictured above, I was instantly reminded that this is not our home. We are strangers in a foreign land. Robbie was thrilled with his accomplishment and we were repulsed...opposite reactions to the same event. Even my hunter-husband had a difficult time knowing the animal suffered needlessly.
So tomorrow, I will take a plate of cinnamon rolls out to the guys and kindly request they not kill another bird in this yard for the next eight weeks we are here.
Thinking of you all with much love,
Beckie
Imagine our delight when we discovered parrots as numerous the common robin at home. I'm talking about beautiful parrots. Some are green, others gray with bright red tails, all stunning in their own way. Okay, you get my drift...we enjoy most of the birds.
Early this morning I heard blood-curdling screeching close by. It sounded like something was being eaten alive--yes, I learned that sound shortly after arriving. Awhile later, the kids came running in saying Mom, get your camera...Robbie caught a parrot.
Silly me, I thought maybe he had rescued the poor creature. Isata stopped me as I flew out the back door saying, "Mommy, he SHOT the parrot. They are going to EAT it!" And with that, she started to cry.
The poor creature was still screeching as it was handled. After Robbie brought him down with a slingshot, he planned to keep it alive until time to go home for the day. Without refrigeration, animals are not killed until meal time. The fact that this bird was clearly suffering wasn't an issue.
As you can see by the picture above, Robbie is proud of his catch. He could not understand why we were upset over the whole situation. From his perspective, this was a gift, free meat. I get this. I understand it. But I can't stand the suffering part of it. If he is going to eat the thing, then do it NOW!
When I saw and heard the scene pictured above, I was instantly reminded that this is not our home. We are strangers in a foreign land. Robbie was thrilled with his accomplishment and we were repulsed...opposite reactions to the same event. Even my hunter-husband had a difficult time knowing the animal suffered needlessly.
So tomorrow, I will take a plate of cinnamon rolls out to the guys and kindly request they not kill another bird in this yard for the next eight weeks we are here.
Thinking of you all with much love,
Beckie
