The Updated Rourke Dinosaur Library- Dimorphodon
The cries shattered the dawn stillness of the forest and echoed from tree to tree. The noise of crashing branches and thudding footsteps startled every animal in the forest and set dozens of small animals running for cover. High in the branches of a tree Dimorphodon woke from her sleep with a start. There was something happening, and it might be dangerous. She twisted to look in the direction of all the noise. Just at that moment the bushes were smashed apart and two large animals tumbled into view. One was a Scelidosaurus, normally a quiet plant-eater, but the other was a Saltriovenator which hunted and ate other dinosaurs. While Scelidosaurus was trying to escape, Saltriovenator was attacking viciously. Dimorphodon realized that the struggling dinosaurs were no threat to her, but she kept a wary eye on them just in case. Before long the Saltriovenator clawed the hind leg of Scelidosaurus and brought it down. There was still plenty of fight left in the plant-eater, and its bony back kept the meat-eater at bay for some time. Eventually, Saltriovenator dug its teeth into Scelidosaurus’ neck and the plant-eater moved no more. Saltriovenator had no sooner begun to eat its meal than a pair of Sarcosaurs appeared. They had been attracted by the fight and the smell of blood. Perhaps they would be able to scavenge a meal after Saltriovenator had eaten its fill. While Saltriovenator gorged itself on the Scelidosaurus, Dimorphodon dropped from her branch and glided away. First she headed for the cliffs, along the seashore, where there were usually gusts of wind blowing upwards. If she could find an updraft it would save her a tiring flight. Dimorphodon soon reached the cliffs beside the sparkling ocean and glided around trying to find an updraft. As soon as she found one, Dimorphodon began to circle tightly. She did not need to flap her wings for the wind was blowing her upwards. As soon as she reached a good height Dimorphodon would turn inland and glide in search of food. The wind carried Dimorphodon higher into the clear blue sky. Dimorphodon was just getting ready to turn inland when the wind changed. The shift in direction was so sudden that Dimorphodon was caught unawares. The new, strong wind tumbled her over and over in the air. Dimorphodon felt herself falling through the air and it was some time before she could regain her balance. By the time Dimorphodon had been able to steady herself and begin to glide properly, she was in a strong violent wind. That wind was blowing her out to sea, away from the land. Dimorphodon tried climbing higher, but the wind was just as strong and was still blowing her out to sea. Then she dove down toward the shimmering ocean. At just above wave-top height Dimorphodon pulled out of her dive. Down here the wind was less strong and she could make headway toward the distant shore. Dimorphodon beat her wings rhythmically as she flew along. Occasionally her wings would dip into the ocean and Dimorphodon nearly lost control. If she plunged into the sea Dimorphodon was not sure if she would be able to get airborne again. Then Dimorphodon became aware of some dark shapes beneath the water. They were moving in the same direction as she was and they were swimming very quickly. Suddenly one of them jumped completely out of the water and then plunged back again with a tremendous splash. Dimorphodon veered off to one side in alarm. Then another of the creatures jumped from the ocean. This time Dimorphodon got a clear look at it and realized that it was an Ichthyosaurus and that she had nothing to fear from this creature. Then Dimorphodon found herself near the coast. This time she did not use the air currents of cliffs to gain height. Instead she landed and ran along the ground inland then climbed a tall tree she used to throw herself into the air. As she went over more ground she passed over a mixed herd of dinosaurs. The herd were Scelidosaurs that fed off the many trees and ferns in the area. From Dimorphodon’s vantage point, high in the air, she could see something that the dinosaurs could not. Just behind one group of plants was resting a Lophostropheus. If the plant-eaters got too close, the Lophostropheus might attack them. After Dimorphodon landed she traveled on across the landscape and kept a keen eye open for food. For a long time she could see nothing. Then her sharp eyes spotted something moving down by the river. It was a Thomasia which had crept out for a drink. Dimorphodon waited patiently and then dashed forwards. Her pounce was swift, short and accurate. Within seconds her claws had closed around the Thomasia and her jaws had snuffed the life out of the little creature. Dimorphodon could eat for the first time that day. Suddenly, the ferns thrashed apart and another Lophostropheus emerged out into the open. Dimorphodon was not very quick at taking off from the ground, but danger was threatening. Desperately, she fluttered her wings and scrambled to take off into the air. She kept hold of the Thomasia which she had killed and was becoming airborne when the Lophostropheus arrived. An extra strong flap of her wings carried Dimorphodon far away and the jaws of the Lophostropheus snapped just inches beneath her. With her kill securely grasped in her mouth, Dimorphodon glided back to the upper grounds in a forest and roosted. There she ate her fill of the Thomasia. When she had finished her meal Dimorphodon realized that it was getting late and the shadows were beginning to lengthen. Soon it would be night. Dimorphodon moved to a comfortable and secure branch on a tree. There she closed her eyes and fell asleep....
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