Another survivor has tamed a bird larger than anything I've heard of--something our implants' HUD identifies as an Argentavis. While the Pteranodon is more easily tamed, the Argentavis truly is a better all-around mount for sky travel. The carrying capacity alone makes them worth their weight in metal ingots, and even better, their saddle incorporates a small smithy so that we can craft items on the fly.

This new addition to our animal menagerie has allowed us access to the skies.  Flying on the back of a huge bird is an exhilarating experience.  The only danger, apart from predators, is accidentally dismounting from the bird while in flight.  To my shame I have done so more than once, though the only time I was at any great height, I fortunately had a parachute with me, allowing me to remount in midair.  Another tribe-mate was not so lucky.  He dismounted and fell to his death, and his bird was killed shortly thereafter by some wild cousins.

After finally adjusting to the details of safe bird flight, my ability to move around the island has increased dramatically.  With a bird I do not need to worry about dangers on the ground except when I need to land to rest, and I can more easily access areas that had previously meant detailed planning to visit.  I have also gained a new perspective on the geography of the island, which has only reinforced the enormity of our environment.  There is a diverse selection of habitats for the creatures of the Island to enjoy, and seeing it all from the air has only increased my appreciation for the boundaries between them.

*The players and events described here are taken from the old Island server