We have been on RED ALERT here at Straker Towers - I noticed a chirping behind the fishing shed and soon realised a Blackbird had made an impressive nest in a quiet and cosy space. Three to four young were about to leave the nest and the Corvids were circling. These opportunists would pick off the young at any given moment so a barricade was put up at the one end.
This did not stop them on their first forays out of the nest - a terrible commotion as Border Terriers aka the border patrol were watching the Ravens, Rooks and Crows decided enough was enough - this is our manor so enter at your peril. There is a slightly charged atmosphere.
No casualties as yet, I hope. But of course the two BT's are now aware of the comings and goings behind the shed and are patrolling here as well - it's hard work keeping the peace. Especially as Mr & Mrs Blackbird appear to be thinking about brood number two already. I'll keep you posted.
I had my first proper walk yesterday after being struck down with a bug that just would not go away. A few days ago it was -5 and the fire was continually lit. Yesterday it was positively balmy out of the wind - a glorious winters day with no need for the extra layers.
We live nestled near the top of one hill that forms a pair to the north of the town. Like a glorious pair of breasts they are a delight that guide me back home. There are many like that round here. I have been trying to walk each and every path within a few miles of home and this one came as a complete surprise to the west of the pair.
It isn't marked or signed it is just there - worn down by years of footfalls. A locals route. Those walking to town or school and in recent times neglected as the pavement offers a more convenient route. Yesterday though, the wind sounded just right as it whispered through the trees.
I thought of BB's book Brendon Chase (1944) about some small boys who run away to live in the woods. Some of the trees here would have appealed to them. The first bumblebee of the year crossed my path and the bird song was the loudest it has been for weeks. Is something afoot? As a boy when I first met BB he did say on more than one occasion to me - look up not down when out and about. I think of that often. Yesterday was just one of those days.
A rare moment of quiet and calm after a busy time eating windfalls and protecting the boundary from old ladies, postmen, folks legitimately going about their business, children on their way to the playground, anything sounding like a slammed car door, the squeak of a gate, old men with white sticks, cats and squirrels................it's hard work you know.
If you want a fix of all things Terrier I can do no more than direct you to the most wonderful blog of Mr John Richardson - The Two Terriers and recommend you purchase his stupendous art book: Being a Guide to the Jack Russell Terrier. One of the loveliest reads this last year!
