His First Flight

Glossary

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a) ledge (n)- a narrow shelf that juts out from a vertical surface b) shrilly (adv.)- producing a high-pitched and piercing voice or sound c) herring (n)- a long silver fish that swims in large groups in the sea d) devour (v)- to eat something eagerly and in large amounts, so that nothing is left e) cackle (n)- a sharp, broken noise or cry of a hen, goose or seagull f) mackerel (n)- a sea fish with a strong taste, often used as food g) gnaw (v)- to bite or chew something repeatedly h) trot (v)- to run at a moderate pace with short steps i) precipice (n)- a very steep side of a cliff or a mountain j) whet (v)- to sharpen k) preening (v)- cleaning feathers with beak l) plaintively (adv.)- sadly, calling in a sad way m) swoop (v)- to move very quickly and easily through the air n) beckoning (v)- making a gesture with the hand or head to encourage someone to approach or follow