Tuesday 27 October
What a day this will be? Pretty much perfect. We had coffee in bed this morning, no rush to get up to be anywhere. I walked down the stairs a little like the tin-man from Oz after playing football last night. Letting Mabel out on to the back lawn (cut yesterday afternoon – smug) to carry out her toilet needs.
But then, after coffee, toast and porridge. We took Mabel for a walk over the fields in Lawford, aiming to get it done before the anticipated rain comes.
The skies were full of it but we did indeed avoid the worst. My attention was drawn to the clusters of birds hanging about in groups of six or more. I’m reluctant to call them flocks; I don’t really know how many constitute a flock but it feels that you need more than that.
The crows are very anxious. Although they lumber about and take a while to lift their heavy frames off the ground for flight they’re reactions are swift and they anticipate any threat very early on. You cannot creep up on a group of crows. Once their heavy, strained wingbeats lift them up, they drift and glide low to the damp ground just shifting a hundred or so meters away. Occasionally, very occasionally, pulling themselves up higher and head towards the trees they roost in.
Fieldfares and Starlings are the other notable gangs hanging about the fields. Their behaviours are a more frenzied affair. Rising quickly but not much higher than the shadowy crows. By their flight is swooping, with twists and turns of direction and speed. All seemingly leading each other. Their numbers will increase over the coming months as gangs join other gangs. Making flocks, perhaps?
Later today, some chores around the house with tea and my ghost stories. Pizza night at home and football on the telly with a lovely bottle of red. Whilst the rain tap-taps on the windows outside and the dog sleeps next to me. What a day.
The Bald Birder 