THE BIRDS

It’s like Alfred Hitchcock world out in Calhame. First the starlings appeared en mass and tried to get into the house. They were flying against the windows and beating their wings in frenzy,  trying to gain entry. It was freaky because it wasn’t just one or two nutters. It was a flock of perhaps a hundred or more. One came down the extractor outlet. Another came down the chimney. I jest you not. It felt like we were in a bad scary movie and got the Heebee-Geebee goose bump thing. They persisted for days. Sometimes they sat on the fence facing us and watching the house as if they were looking for a weak spot. They attacked in the early mornings and pecked at the guttering and roof tiles. Perhaps they were hungry or searching for sanctuary. We agreed that their behaviour was bizarre and not something we had seen before.

Creatures’ sense when a bad storm is coming. The weather is odd to say the least. Hailstones in June are a first for me. It is so cold in the mornings that the grass is white with frost. The wind would “clean you” it is so bitterly cold.

Then the crows appeared. That took the scary movie scenario up a notch. The fields and trees were covered by the Parliament of munching maniacal black winged birds while a guard were sitting on the electricity wires watching. Perhaps that’s what is causing the blackouts. It’s something worth thinking about. Hundreds of large birds roosting must weigh a lot.

The wee garden birds disappeared and who can blame them? It was without doubt Scaryville around their natural habitat. I guarantee there isn’t a worm or an errant grass seed to be had anywhere around here. The starlings and crows are like pecking parasites. They are first rate scavengers that eat all before them. We have never witnessed anything like it. I saw a blackbird with a wound on its back. That is also a first. Perhaps it was attacked by the flying fiends. I have seen birds being aggressive when protecting their nests but never attacking in such numbers for days.

The majority of those freaky beaky pests have moved on. For good we hope.

It is a joy to hear the wee garden birds singing again.

If anyone else has experienced similar odd behaviour please let me know.

From the scary to the needy … Margaret Graham runs a kennel and rescue centre in Articlave and she has two beautiful Staffy’s in need of a home. MG is desperate to re-home the five year old male and four year old female together. We would take them in a heartbeat but our boy is set in his ways and too old to share the bed with another male. If anyone is willing to give them a home it would be saving two lives.

Staffy’s are loyal and loving and great with kids. I will supply the beds and kit they need if someone will take them and give them a home.

You will get the most unconditional love in return. They will change your life for the better. I guarantee it.