TALKING ANIMALS
Robert H. Wolfe

Each of the clues below can be answered with a phrase containing the name of an animal. Wordplay is fair play.

1. Trampling on shore birds
2. Talkative Asian oxen
3. Drone in a contest
4. Mental image of Smokey
5. Walrus cousin with cachet
6. Direct from a  night flier
7. Ray in a risky position

Answers:

1. Walking on stilts
2. Yakety yaks
3. Spelling bee
4. Bear in mind
5. Seal of approval
6. Right off the bat
7. Skate on thin ice