Death of a Water-Fowl, by I.M. Squawking

I woke up at 4:30 this morning to what can only be described as the horrific shrieking, croaking, squawks of some large water-fowl being eaten (?) by a panther. I live in Florida so that scenario is possible. Anyway, I have two cats, one is 2 years old and one is about 4 months old. At first I thought the little cat was hung up by a leg in the living room. You know, cats get themselves into stupid predicaments at this age... I jumped out of bed and sprinted down the hallway followed by the older cat. When we got to the living room I realized that the noise was coming from outside and the little cat was not in harms way - she had followed behind the other cat to see what all the fuss was.

The great squawking, croaking, choking noise began again, so we all ventured to the sliding glass door and listened in horror. Actually, the cats just sat wide-eyed and stared at the door in deep concern (veiled as curiosity). I finally got the nerve up to open the door(I'm in a second floor apartment with a screened balcony), all the while imagining what sort of big bird was being eaten and what was doing the eating. We have a wooded area with a huge oak tree right behind us - the perfect spot for a panther to drag it's prey. Assuming a panther was within city limits. The noises came and went as I peered into the darkness. Seriously, what was I going to see with no light out there? What could I have done about it anyway? Finally the noises stopped. And about that same time someones air conditioner kicked off as well. So, was I just hearing the death of an ac unit? Did some bird get caught in an ac unit? Or did some night creature have a feast for my entertainment? Oh the possibilities.

When I got up this morning (no more disturbances after the death of the bird/ac) I looked out back. No blood, no feathers, all ac units running normally. I will say in my defense that wild, carnivorous animals have been known to come into town. Hmmmm...

You know, my kindergarten teacher wanted to hold me back because I had "too much imagination." I think I'd still be in kindergarten today if my mom hadn't intervened.