#76: Controlled Landings.

Controlled landings. These are the instructions for clipping birds' wings found on a veterinarian's website:

"When birds have their wings clipped, it should be done just to the amount required to prevent them from flying upwards out of reach and yet still allow controlled, soft landings. A good rule of thumb is that they are able to flutter down to the floor from shoulder height over a distance of less than 10-15 feet."

An inquiry into the method of captivity for some zoo water birds produced a resounding parallel to the constraints that are often put on people in so many facets of society.

The message is clear:
Never soar out of reach and be sure to land within a defined span of control.

In this case, the landings may not be so soft.