The Parable of the Seagull

 

All the birds decided to join the mass migration to the warmer climates during a dramatic and cold winter in the UK.  All the birds took flight to the south, convinced from experience that the weather would be warmer!

However, a seagull, tainted by his exposure to the salty atmosphere and known as being a bird with unique sea experience decided to do his own thing and took off flying north.  During this migration all flight, he experienced a number of events.

First he got to Birmingham where the temperatures were much cooler than in the south. Maybe, the seagull thought, this was not such a good idea. By the time he crossed the border into Scotland the harsh winds froze his wings and he was unable to maintain the speed required for forward flight. He struggled and eventually plummeted out of the sky and landed in a farm, trapped in a huge pile of cow manure. Well he thought "that's it - bad idea, that'll teach me". 

However, far from overcoming him in the high methane environment the warm manure defrosted his wings. He was so happy to be able to move his wings, he involuntary started to sing with joy.

The farmyard cat was resting nearby and heard the birds joyful singing. On investigation, he cleared away some of the manure, found the bird and ate it.

This left the bird with four distinct morals to reflect on:-

1.  Don't think that because you've been to sea that you know everything and don't ignore good practice, it's there for a reason!
2.  Anything or anyone that drops you in the shit is not always necessarily bad!
3.  Anyone getting you out of the shit is not necessarily a friend!
4.  Most importantly when you are in the shit, keep your big gob shut!

 
Jeff Hards BEM (Mil)