The Perch Trap

I scrambled up the rough fence post right beneath an old weathered wooden birdhouse. High on its front jutted a fat wooden dowel, meant for birds to rest their lazy little feet. Far too sturdy! Far too peaceful! *Krk-chhh!* I shimmied up the mossy cedar, hooked both clawed hands around the wooden peg, and threw my hips downward with a violent jerk. *CRACK-SNAP!* The dry dowel splintered clean at the base, popping right into my grip and sending a shower of gray sawdust down into the weeds. I dangled by one talon, clicking my fangs in raspy triumph as the severed peg dropped into the dirt!