They’re Pretty Good At Following Instructions

I am at a Highland Games, wandering around, when I see someone with a bird of prey on their arm. I go over and chat with them, learn that they are part of a falconry club, and ask if I might be allowed to pet their bird. They say it’s okay as long as I do it properly, and they instruct me how: just gently use the back of one finger on the bird’s neck and chest only.

When I first start to stroke it, a tourist couple beside me sees.

Man: “I want to touch?”

Handler: “Okay, so [same instructions he gave me].”

Right as he finishes telling them how to pet it, I finish doing so, and they take their turn.

Me: “You are such a pretty bird.”

The bird puffs up the feathers on its neck.

Handler: “Oh, that means she’s happy! She loves being called a pretty bird.”

Couple: “Pretty bird! Pretty bird!”