Perhaps you've heard of free range chickens. They are supposed to have better lives than their cooped-up counter-parts, at least right up until the moment they become your favorite McChickens and Chicken Tenders. This, however, is the story of that other denizen of the range - free range chicken broth.
Little is known about the origins of free range chicken broth, or FRCB for short. Perhaps it followed the evolutionary path of the free range chicken. Or maybe it branched off early on. Either way, it is clear that this new species needs further study.
From what I've learned so far, FRCB can be found in a variety of environments. It seems to prefer the solitude of the open range. I found this individual relaxing in the late afternoon sun. Perhaps there is a connection between solar radiation absorption and the purported benefits of a substance known as "chicken soup" which appears later in the life development of the FRCB.
It was quite docile, and did not seem to mind being approached or photographed. I heard no sound, but did detect a slight aroma of thyme and pepper. Apparently, the purpose of this aroma is to attract certain elements known to be found in the Land of Soup. I didn't see in evidence of these, but I have had some experience with them in the past. Further study will be needed to confirm this connection.
As I continued my search of the immediate area, I discovered additional members of the FRCB clan in a variety of habitats. I was surprised to learn that FRCB was capable of climbing trees. Here is an example of what I discovered:
There didn't seem to be any appendages or wings, so I don't know how it reached this position. It seemed quite comfortable resting in the crook of this tree trunk and, like the other individual, did not show any alarm at my presence. Because of it's position, I didn't smell the aroma of the other one but did hear a slight gurgling sound. I wondered what might be causing it, but my attention was immediately drawn to an area near this tree. I heard a rustling in a pile of fallen leaves, as if something was trying to burrow into it. This is what I found:
As I approached this FRCB, the rustling stopped. Judging by the position of this individual, it was hard to tell whether it had been attempting to hide by burrowing or emerging from below the leaf pile. Then it hit me! Could this be the hidden breeding ground of this mysterious species? Or, and much more likely I think, perhaps it had fallen from the tree. Here's a dark thought. Maybe it was pushed by the other one? Now that would explain the solitary nature of this creature I guess, but it also suggests that there may be a hidden danger of aggression in this seemingly docile species. I decided to proceed with caution.
On a nearby fence, I found another member of this "clan" of free range chicken broth (if, in fact, they do gather in clans.) Based on my previous encounter, I approached this one with caution. It was much higher than any I'd seen so far. There was no evidence of sound, movement, or aroma. That gave me an uneasy feeling as I got ready to photograph this one. It seem poised to do something. I just didn't know what. I quickly moved in, took the photo, and retreated to safety.
As I moved away, it just sat there. I wondered if I had been concerned for no reason. Still, if in doubt, caution is always advised.
My search continued. I only found one more FRCB. It was precariously perched on a lower fence near a creek. This one gave off a definite odor, one of pepper and celery this time. Though I could not be sure, they seemed to be capable of generating a wide variety of aromas. This calls for further study, but I will have to pursue that at a later date.
This "member" of the final free range chicken broth clan that I found seemed much more peaceful than the last two. It seemed to be enjoying the last rays of the sun perhaps. It occurred to me that maybe the sound of the rippling waters of the creek had a soothing effect on FRCB. Whether peaceful or aggressive, this certainly had been an interesting photographic outing. Further study will be needed to decide what relationships there are between the smells, the locations, and the mysterious leaf pile.
The light was fading, so I got one final shot and retreated gently back to the safety of my house. I knew my wife was making dinner. I was hoping it was going to be her famous turkey soup. I wasn't disappointed.
Hmmm? I wonder...
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