What a good idea to start a new blog, Whisks. I've never had any
real problems loading the blog, but today it took ages to settle
down and load all the pix.
How wonderful to read of Woody's joyous return! I read this with a
huge smile on my face. I think it's lovely that he's home, so I can
only guess how you feel. But I know what it's like when one of our
cats disappears for hours and doesn't respond to calls, before
finally reappearing. Oh, the relief!
It's interesting that your theory about altercations with crows
looks as though it's the answer to the puzzle of the missing Woody.
And I can't help wondering whether the collective interest,
affection and love of Woody that we all share here on the Cloud
helped in some small way to keep him safe and help him find his way
home.
Thank you Spangles. Today's entry is longer than usual because it
was such a momentous day to report and I took loads of pictures, in
case he was off again in a flash. Normal service will be resumed
tomorrow :)
I don't doubt that the collective pulling of us to get him home,
played a part. Ain't that wonderful?
I've got a sort of prodigal son feeling about this - he looks so
grown up!
Love the last pic with Tony's poem and AlanP's comment- and Woody
oblivious (maybe?) to the lot...
It's great to hear - and see - he's back safe and pretty nearly
sound. You didn't tell us if he roosted back in the chicken coop -
oh, I think you mentioned somewhere that he stayed indoors last
night. It will be interesting to see if he's happy to be banged up
overnight with the girls again after his taste of freedom. And I
wonder if he saw it as a taste of freedom, or a nightmare struggle
to get home again. Anyway, so happy for you all.
Thanks John, Woody says 'Hi' back. Or he would if I knew where he
was - he's been all over the place today, but still the essential
Woody.
Geri - poo about your week! Off with it's head. I hope Woody's week
will continue well [Gulp]
SS, no I don't think he's oblivious - he's quite savvy now - been
away for a couple of days, doncha know?
trafalgar, nice to have you back here :)
Tony, no he roosted on top of the boiler last night; until 6am that
is, when he bounced up and down on my sleeping body. This episode
was going on forever, so I had to draw a line :)
Liss - thanks; yes, it's a pretty backdrop, isn't it? Well we like
it, anyway.
Should go and find him now - it's been a while.
Thanks all.
Just to say, your wonderful writing made my mother cry. Me too if
I'm honest. Blimey he was hungry and excitable wasn't he? Delighted
normal service has been resumed
Yes Weens, he was hungry - although I do wonder what proportion of
food he eats, against the amount that he stashes. Not sure whether
to say I'm pleased you both cried - um, free box of tissues?
Thanks, poppet.
Loved the energy and zing in this episode - you wrote it all so
vividly, I felt like Woody was right next to me dancing backwards
and forwards and all over the place. Big grins here :-D
And definitely not 'sentimental drippery' - that last post in the
old blog was straight from the heart. Wonderful writing.
Thanks, Skylark for the reassurance - and yes, Woody is dancing for
everyone who's rooted for him!
Thanks also to the clever and witty photo commenters - Tony, Johno
and JtF. I think Woody and Pidge will run and run.
Update 55 added.
Thanks Debi - you make me feel warm and fuzzy. And Woody too, no
doubt.
Wow Mark, what a nice thing to say. Yes, I do indeed have an
overloaded magpie on my hands! And it *was* a happy day.
Just looked in on the off chance - and there you are! So he's not
quite back to normal yet, but sounds like he getting there. I loved
the tug-of-war with the egg sandwich and Woody falling over
backwards. And free-falling from the window sill? I think it's
called base jumping, isn't it? Quite the little dare-devil. Thanks
Whisks.
Hi Tony, thanks. Base jumping - is that when you plaster your wings
to your sides and plummet? OK, base-jumping it is. And I haven't
managed to keep a whole sandwich to myself yet. Sigh.
Thanks Skylark and John - not an eventful day, but hey - not all of
them are; although details are usually fruitful, if viewed in a
fruity way :) Thanks for reading.
'Details are usually fruitful, if viewed in a fruity way.'
Thank you for that nugget, CW – it's more helpful than the average
creative writing lecture!
Great stuff :-) - Loved the way he retrieved hidden food when you
didn't jump to it and feed him on demand. Just goes to show that
growing birds, like growing children, are slightly on the lazy side
but can definitely sort themselves out if really pushed. And just
so you know, a computer mouse is not safe from a toddling babies
either....flashing lights, dangling wires, buttons to be
pressed...in toddling baby language, that means PLAY WITH ME NOW!
My husband's given up plugging the mouse in if he's on the laptop
while our youngest is around and uses the mouse pad instead,
cursing all the while because he hates it. :-P
Thank you Whisks, for the best laugh I've had in days, he is so
funny, or rather your depiction of him is so funny. I expect he can
be a bit of a nuisance at times having such an exuberant little
thing living in such close quarters. I just love the way he tried
to 'cement' in your sunroof. He does seem to have a penchant for
filling in empty areas. God bless the both of you for bringing
laughter into what has been quite a fraught few days for me.
Hi Skylark, yes I don't think youngsters differ much, whatever
their species. Heavens, if I could get someone to feed me, I'd try
too! How funny that your son is fascinated by the computer mouse as
well!
Weens, glad to help with your fraught week and hope next one looks
up. Yes, it can be trying, having a toddler toddling - you should
see the state of my house (best not), but otoh, he is incredibly
sweet and such fun to have around.
Going to see about the claret any minute now, Tony! Golly, I'm late
with it today. Best drink quickly to catch up. And before the
magpie quaffs it all :)
Cheers, Woody! I'm just off for a sip of Armagnac – now, that would
put a wobble in your flightpath.
And talking of mouse cables, when our children were small, I had to
take a broken one to our trusty local computer man. 'We don't see
many of these broken,' he said. 'Was it the kids?'
'No.'
I guess he didn't have many customers with free-roaming pet rabbits
who liked to visit the study.
Yeahbut, yeahbut. I *like* a jungle. As do the chickens. Not so
keen on the corvine tigers, though. Although we can't help the
species we're born into. Must remember that.
My folks are in Blackpool for the week. So my mother rings me
tonight, does she ask me how I am? Does she ask me how I'm feeling?
Noooooooooo, her first words are, 'Has the next installment in the
Woody saga been posted yet?' I now officially take second place to
Woody (but I can see why).
Poor Weens ;-). Sobering thought, Whisks. Might it be best if Woody
bids you a final farewell some time before he goes off as an adult
to raid little birds' nests and eat their eggs? Jungle rules and
all...
Oh, Weens! So sorry that Woody's kicked you out of the nest! He
didn't mean it and he's very sorry. He likes your mum though,
almost as much as you :)
Tony, Woody's not going anywhere until he's 30. Period.
His beak looks enormous in the last photo. Is it really that big or
is it just the angle the photo was taken at? It looks quite lethal.
One peck of that must hurt. I bet the chickens are in no hurry to
peck him now he can peck back.
Thanks, Bluedy, I don't know either!
Weens, it's mainly the angle of the photo but it is getting
stronger; but he's so gentle with it! And the chickens aren't
afeard, oh no! They chase him!
Would love to hear a magpie giggle :-) Clever Woody hiding in the
bubblewrap - isn't it fascinating that he's learning survival
techniques without the help of parent magpies?
Ta Tony, he really did look like a lion struggling home with his
prize!
Thank you John. Agree - *I* never said animals don't enjoy pure
play! Isn't it supposed to be a learning experience anyway? Anyone
who doesn't think animals feel emotions - happy, sad, joyful,
frightened - has never had or watched a pet properly.
Haven't we got about 46% DNA in common with a banana? So that takes
care of the basic mechanism of life. The rest? We've got more in
common than not, and it's more unreasonable to think that animals
are machines, than it is to realise that we're all made of the same
stuff. Of *course* we're near enough the same. *Stands down from
soapbox*
Skylark, a giggling magpie is such a revelation! You can't help
giggling too. :)
All the pics are OK on mine. Could it be to do with the amount of
free RAM you have available? If you have a lot of other programmes
open as well as your browser you could try it again after closing
some others and see if the pics come back. If so, that would
confirm it. If not, I've just wasted a couple of minutes keying in
rubbish.
Phew! For a horrible minute there, I thought that was the end of
him. That would have been a tragic end to this marvellous tale.
Talk about a cat having nine lives, Woody must have hundreds. As
you say, he faces a different peril eveyday. I hope you gave
Jenny's cat a good kick up the bum, and you should get a pellet gun
and shoot those damn crows. I suppose that they are only doing what
comes naturally and they are looking for food, but they can't have
our Woody.
I wonder if you're doing this wrong. When I used to go to the
saturday morning flicks there was always a serial in which the hero
was left in mortal peril and you had to wait until the next episode
to find out if he escaped, and how.
Are you going to call this "Whisks' adventures of Woody", "The
Perils of Woody" or ...
Weens, Jenny's cat is our local birder and his mission in life is
to keep the population in check.
Alan, I haven't seen Woody since 2:15 and have just been out
looking. That enough of a cliff-hanger for you?
Alan, do I need to explain the nature of a cliffhanger?
Well, because I'm nice and all you Woody's aunties and uncles are
nice, I'll say I have a smile on my face. Nuff said?
Thanks for caring. Honestly.
Sorry to be so brief - don't mean it, but it's gone 9pm and I can't
remember when I last ate.
I'll blow my cliffhanger by saying that all is now well.
Thanks again.
Talk about red in tooth and claw! There's war going on in your
street, Whisks. How about giving him flak jacket? You could have a
matching one, with 'official correspondent' written on it.
Whisks has partaken of the claret Tony, but passed on the salted
courgette - except some of it ended up in her fried egg sandwich,
anyway. She was past caring.
Pim. I've no idea. Truly.
Geri, so did I dear, so did I.
Debi, you might be on your toes or your tenters; I'm on my
knees.
Sky, yes. Just yes :)
John, that's reeeeally funny!
Alan, I don't blame you for tempting fate, honestly. Don't feel
bad. Personally, I *do* think Harrison Ford resembles him; except
HF is about 70.
Weens, his own profile page?! Did I mention I was on my
knees?
Appreciate your concern peeps; Whisks is now so tired she's
cross-eyed and singing a lullaby out-of-tune; she hopes to see
straight tomorrow morning.
Thank you Weens and Debi. Whisks had a cloggy night and intends to
clear her decks and revert to bed at the earliest opportunity,
after which her first person may peek above the parapet.
Thanks Spangles, I'm relieved too. Five Aunts on a Dancefloor? Tee
bloomin' hee! Yes, that's it!
'For the Avoidance of Doubt' is far more boring, don't you think?
So Woody's beginning to make quite a name for himself, leaving
footprints in the paintwork, terrorising the local pooches, getting
taken on as cassual labour (presumably as a hole-filler) and being
a matador to Jenny's charging moggie - and still, apparantly,
wanting to ride shotgun when Whisks drives the buckboard into town.
Quell oiseau!
Quel oiseau indeed, Tony! Great summing up. His fame is a
double-edged thingy. On the one hand, I get to hear about his
goings-on, on the other, well. Although I can't honestly see him
'terrorising'; playing, yes. People just don't understand. Ask two
witnesses to describe the same thing, and you'll get three
different PoVs, eh?
Indeed Debi, a tail with no sort of a sting. It almost grows as I
watch.
That's interesting, Weens - I've read that female magpies are the
bossy ones; Woody is such a sweetie-pie that he's probably a boy
bird.
If Woody lands in trouble with PC Plod, I know a good probation
officer.
We currently have a human-human, animal-animal conflict here in
Andover, that has made the news. The news that broke first was that
a dog had been stung to death by a swarm of bees. (Most unusual.) A
vigorous campaign, including posters in public places and petitions
was launched by the dog owners against the bee keeper, a near
neighbour.
Then yesterday, it emerged that the dog had attacked the beehive
and knocked it over. I wonder how many people signed the petition
without that knowledge?
Thanks for the offer, John, we may need it!
I'm sorry for the dog and I'm sorry for the bees; it's worrying
when campaigns get launched on scanty information and the later
delving doesn't get nearly so much coverage. Same thing happens
with foxes. And many people told me how 'vicious' magpies where
when I acquired one accidentally. I can truthfully say I've
observed no such behaviour and I've had an unusually close-up view.
It's early days, of course. The dog and owner who were 'terrified',
may have been more 'startled' by the unexpected encounter and
didn't know what to do. Or they may really have been 'terrified'. I
don't know, I wasn't there.
Watching that you-tube vid of Christian the Lion reuniting with his
English humans - I'd have been terrified if an adult lion had raced
up to me; because I would have mis-understood his real intentions;
yet what a wonderful thing?
If anyone hasn't seen it, or would like to see it again, here it
is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btuxO-C2IzE
Every night when my husband and I wash up (he washes I wipe) I tell
him the latest news of Woody's adventures.
I loved the cream paint footprints... still laughing about them
now.
On the subject of videos... you have a ready made star with you!
I love the way that Woody has changed your perspective - for
example noticing how many holes there are everywhere, hee hee.
Loved the lion video too :-)
'preciate your 'preciation peeps! I had to watch Christian the Lion
yet again - and it still fills me with gladness. That's George
Adamson in the background of the latter bit - 'father' of Elsa the
lioness in Born Free. I'm glad Woody makes you feel as happy as he
makes me feel.
And when I put him to bed and see him happy in the henhouse on his
curtain, all is well with my world.
Toe-hammering. Could his instnct be telling him your toes are eggs
just waiting to have theit shell cracked open to offer up their
delicious interiors?
And the kitchen roll - are you quite sure it wasn't the guinea fowl
trying to get Woody into trouble?
Could be, Tony. Except he also hammers heads (others', not mine);
and he's shown no interest in eggs at all. As you can imagine,
there are plenty around my house and I've offered him raw egg but
he just turns his beak up at it.
As for blaming the Guineas - how could you?! Nah, fairly sure it's
the Woodster, using up all that youthful energy!
Just read the following in an RSPB news email (contributed by a
reader):
"Who's the bird brain now?
"I never cease to be amazed at the ingenuity of the five magpies
who visit our garden. I have seen them undo knots to release the
fatball container and they also work out which way to unwind the
string when I've wound it around the trellis in both directions. It
didn't take them long to realise that dropping the container made
the top spring open so they could help themselves to the contents.
I was intrigued to see them hanging round the bird bath the other
day. They were dropping something in and when I investigated I
realised they were dropping dried mealworms in, waiting for a
while, then eating them.
"Barbara Acres."
Hi Whisks - been away for a few days so catching up. Did you know
there was a Woody Bay in Exmoor btw?
Lovely, helter-skelter and hilarious catch-up it was too.
The beauty of 'his' tail, the chaos of the kitchen roll.
Your fruit jewellery and the immortal mackerel skin.
Thank you Mark - no, I didn't know of the Woody Bar. Fancy that!
And that mackerel skin! It haunts my dreams now.
Weens, not sure it was on here, but it should be! Thanks for
flagging it up. He certainly has a big head, if that's anything to
go by :)
Day 66 just loaded.
So our Woody is going through puberty. He's becoming daring as a
teenager would. I think your approach is the right one, to deal
with him sternly when he misbehaves, how else will he learn. I
think he is so used to 'friendly' people, that he expects the same
response from everyone. I don't know what the answer is, but I
certainly agree with your approach. Our Woody has to learn.
Another marvelous account of a day in the life of the Magpie Rescue
Centre. Was the pic of Woody laughing not of a publishable
standard? (Actually, you said film, didn't you? Was it a video?)
Perhpas you ought to produce a single sheet of apology /
instructions re Woody, to didtribute to all your neighbours,
telling them how to handle him and avoid bloodshed and traumatised
doggies. Thanks for the latest episode. Oh, and mackerel R.I.P.
Yes Weens, it does seem like puberty - stretching those wings,
exploring the world - and upsetting people. Will it pass, I wonder,
or is this behaviour bedding in? It's a worry.
Thanks, Tony. Yes, the 'film' was video - so glad I've caught it,
although I don't know if I can upload it here - even the
soundtrack. And I think that mackerel's undead.
Woody's not just testing your boundaries but everyone else's too.
Life's one big game at the moment and he wants to find out how much
he can get away with. I remember my mum telling me and my two
exuberant siblings that she always had to take us places twice: the
second time to apologise ;-P
I was storytelling at our (damp) fete today, and one of the action
songs we did between stories was, 'The Tree in the Wood'. Something
slipped out of my mouth... Instead of singing, 'All in that egg
there was a bird...' I sang, 'All in that egg there was a
magpie...' Someone must have been on my mind.
Skylark, I do hope he grows out of it, but I'm not sure he will -
why would he, it's fun! And my mother used to tell me of the
starving children in Biafra - we all turn into our parents
eventually, don't we?
John - how sweet!
Caught up at last! He's such a huge character for a little chap!
Love the photos too. It makes me smile when I look at him - he's
lovely. Lots of nail biting going on whilst I was reading
that...
I was watching some magpies recently and they're very sociable with
their family groups, so you may always have him with you, seems
you're his mum! Even if he eventually does decide to explore
further afield, I am more than sure he'll be home for tea - with
those treats, he would have to. I expect he's a little
humanised/chickenised - so he's going to act odd for a magpie, with
his wanting to go out at night - although that could be something
he's learned from your cat maybe?
He seems to be becoming a bit of a celebrity all round Whisks! You
must be very proud of him.
It's amazing that there's always something new to delight us with.
What a wonderful account of a teenager squaring up to protect his
old mum from one of the guinea gang (who pack a powerful peck -
love it). Splendid.
Afore I forget, thanks to all the photo commenters - I'm reluctant
to reply on each individual photo as I'll clog the main pane with
wall-to-wall fitted magpie; but they do make me laugh.
Minxie, happy you're still following. Yes, they do seem sociable,
don't they? The one time I saw loads, was when Woody was tiny and
being bombarded by crows. I wondered if they were attacking or
defending the baby, and I rather think the latter, as they've come
for an occasional look-see. but otherwise haven't bothered him at
all.
And yes, I'm extremely proud :)
Tony, it was a stroke of luck that he came to my aid yesterday
night, or I'd have been stumped for something to write about, other
than things I've already written about - the food stashing and
caching, the 'faynights' position on my shoulder. It would
otherwise have been a very short post!
And since he'd attacked the chicks I held the day before, I do
think he's protective of me, which is so sweet. Mutual, of course
:) Thanks for cheering us on.
Alan, Errol has already had a smack in the beak (should I admit
this?) but having a very small head, it takes a while to learn.
Yes, Woody is fast - his saving grace with so many species, I
think.
Thanks Geri, Skylark and Liss - my heart is warming over with my
brave little bodyguard. Hurrah indeed! He's my little soldier.
Ha, nice one. Speaking of which, though reminds me. I was thinking
yesterday whether you knew anyone who could ring Woody's leg. It
might prove a helpful ID at a later date.
Yes Tony, I must investigate. This morning, I was told he might
have been sighted in the park (a fair way away) and a ring would
confirm it - also if anything happens (no!). I hesitate because it
must be so annoying to have a ring on your leg. Wouldn't it chaff?
And it wouldn't benefit him, only me (unless it made some bad
person pause - but they may shoot him to see what's on his leg?).
And I'd hate to wear one. Nevertheless, I shall enquire.
Whisks,
Btavo Woody. Good to have an attack magpie as a pal.
I agree with Tony. Doesn't a ring simply do what a chip does in
cats and dogs? And if you do get him ringed, could it be a a bright
dayglo one, or would it draw unwanted attention to him? It would
certainly make him easier to identify with binoculars. And, as he's
going to be quite a big bird would a tiny radio transmitter be a
possibility?
All sounds a bit unnatural but his wonderful upbringing hasn't been
exactly natural has it?
Ha ha, PK. Yes, a tiny radio transmitter - and a miniature video
camera. Not only could you tell where he'd been, but you could spy
on your neighbours, too! "The name's Magpie, James Magpie."
If the ring were bright and shiny, he may love it, or try to peck
it off. And it would also signal his presence to a crow since birds
see colour very well. Yes, it would be nice to get news of him, but
otoh, I still think it would irritate the hell out of him. On the
third hand, it may make nasty people pause before doing him harm.
Hmmm. Ditto camera: I'd love to see where he goes and also love the
idea of James Magpie; but is it fair? Dunno and dunno. Need to
dither a while longer. I may just have to live with
un-knowing.
Oh, Day 68 loaded, btw!
I heard somewhere recently that ringed birds and tracked animals
(i.e. those with tracking devices stuck to them - but not
microchips) don't fare well and often die early. I wasn't a bit
surprised. I'd HATE it if it happened to me and I often worry about
the poor creature trying desperately - and failing - to rid itself
of the offending item. I can quite appreciate the importance of
alerting people to Woody's special status, but I am concerned about
what the little chap would think of it himself. A difficult
dilemma, I know.
This is my main worry, Spangles, although I didn't know there was
any data on it. I'd hate it too, and I also know that any animal
with anything different about it, is frequently picked on,
targetted, by others of its own species.
Your concern is understandable, Whisks. But, speaking seriously, a
small unobtrusive metal ring to identify Woody should be quite all
right. Here's a quote from an RSPB site:
"Each ring carries a unique reference number identifying that one
bird. Numerous studies have demonstrated that placing a ring on the
leg of a bird does not adversely affect its welfare – it is still
able to move, breed and feed as normal. All ringing in the UK is
monitored by the BTO which holds the huge database of birds ringed
in this country since ringing started nearly 100 years ago. Nearly
a million birds are ringed or recaptured every year."
The whole site is worth a look. You can find it here:
Sounds like that man with a gun needs a friendly visit, perhaps
with a mutual friend who's sympathetic to you and Woody. Woody seem
to be managing to fend for himself against other birds and animals,
but he needs some sort of educating about human preditors. Trouble
is, I suppose they all look alike to Woody (apart form Mum, of
course).
Good to hear his missing tail feathers are growing back.
Can't you report that man with the gun? It can't be legal to shoot
at magpies, or anything else for that matter.
I'm staying at my folks this week for some TLC, and my mum AND dad
now badger me asking 'Has she posted yet?' When you eventually do,
I read it to them and they both said to tell you, that you should
write more, it's not long enough. I told them that was a sign of a
good writer, leave them wanting more. All three of us look forward
to hearing about his daily escapades.
Apparantly it's not actually illegal to shoot magpies, but see the
second quote.
"Magpies may be shot or trapped legally under general licence
[which, I gather, is a universal licence that allows any
'authorised person' e.g. owner of the land to trap or shoot birds
for the purpose of preventing serious damage to agricultural crops
or livestock, preserving public health/air safety, or conserving
wild birds - Tony] but for most of us, these two methods are
impractical. Though magpies may become tame and confiding in
certain areas, they are quick to disappear at the sight of a gun,
and are notoriously difficult to shoot." ornathologists, Chris Mead
and David Tomlinson.
"We are not opposed to legal, site-specific control of magpies, nor
to the legal use of Larsen or other cage traps, as long as the
general licence conditions are strictly adhered to.
We do oppose illegal magpie control, including poisoning, which has
a high risk of accidentally poisoning other birds, including rare
birds of prey.
Many people wish to control magpies in gardens because they take
eggs and chicks of other birds. Since research indicates that
magpies do not pose a conservation problem to garden birds, the use
of general licence in this context is at best debateable."
It must be remembered that if challenged, anyone killing magpies in
their garden may have to prove to a court of law that they had
acted lawfully. This may be difficult given the lack of scientific
evidence that magpies affect the conservation of garden bird
species." - RSPB
In the light of what Chris Mead and David Tomlinson say, it might
be a plan to let Woody see someone firing a shotgun - safely aimed
to miss him, of course, and well away from your garden (he might
never come back!). He may then recognise a gun in future and stay
clear.
Tony, thanks loads for your research on the legalities of shooting
magpies! It's mucho interesting that the RSPB say they have no
effect on garden birds and don't support their 'control' in most
circs. Excellent. (Aren't they 'garden birds' too? There's
certainly one in my garden).
A policeman friend once told me that with BIG caveats (like that
licence you mention), you're allowed to shoot animals if you have a
fair chance of killing them - but it's illegal if you're only
likely to wound them. So it would be illegal to shoot a cat with a
pellet gun but not a mouse, since you're likely to inflict
suffering on the cat rather than instant death. Although I expect
the mouse would suffer too.
The Larsen trap you mention is the same thing I bemoaned in my
previous blog, Little Bird Diary - where a decoy bird is trapped
and as others come to investigate, they are shot. Horrid.
I'm bemused by the objection to predators taking eggs and chicks,
given that humans do exactly the same thing unless they're
vegetarians/vegans. One rule for us, eh? Nature in balance is the
ideal, surely? And although I'd be heart-broken if Woody were taken
by a predator, I do know it's the way of things and a better way to
go than being winged by a bullet and dying slowly.
I might also add that Woody has turned up his beak at egg; he much
prefers fruit and veg. I'm surprised, tbh.
However, the news that the onus is on the shooter to prove he acted
lawfully is reassuring - although the best result would be to avoid
it altogether.
Skylark, I agree - I hope the man was just sounding off and won't
actually do anything.
Weens & Tony, I think I may have trouble finding out who it is
- the news came to me via a chain of people who may clam up if
questioned directly.
Weens - it warms my cockles to hear that your parents are fans -
that's really lovely.
This was a particularly funny episode. Brilliant, Whisks. And
Woody's got promotion to Estate Manager, wow. Or maybe that's just
Acting Estate Manager for the convenience of the situation -
filling in, as needed. (He's good at filling in, isn't he?) He
certainly showed his opinion of your cold-caller's services in no
uncertain manner. Protecting you from savage fowl one day and from
ittinerent con-men, the next. He's making himself indidspensible,
isn't he?
Alan - only a week? No harm done?
Debi - you're suggesting I get him a laptop and a satchel to carry
it in, right? OK. Where's absent teen? I could accommodate him in
the henhouse, if you like? Perch and breakfast?
What if you posted some flyers, with Woody's handsome face on them,
informing people that he's special and could they please not shoot
him. You could tell the local radio and the local paper. Local news
loves this type of story :D
Could do, Geri - a neighbour has already suggested printing
leaflets for surrounding streets (our own street already know him).
Might backfire though? Put people's backs up? Might help though -
will read the local press tomorrow and see. Thanks for the
suggestion :)
The local press sounds a great idea. They'd love the story. In fact
you could write it for them + a picture, and they'd love you, too.
But the big plus is - who'd shoot a local celebrity and be
pilloriesd for it in the next week's newspaper?
Ten whole thrilling weeks since the fledgling arrived;
It’s seventy days now that Woody’s survived.
There’ve been thrills, there’ve been spills,
There’ve been frights, out-all-nights
What a roll’coaster ride it has been.
We’ve all watched as the fledgling grew into a bird
We’ve adored all his antics, some skilled, some absurd.
Pinching rings – lots of things –
Hiding food; that’s not good,
But it’s par for the course for a teen.
Now leaving the roost he flies off to explore,
To the woods, the next street, or the people next door
Dodging crows and who knows
P’rhaps a gun – that’s no fun.
So back home, ruffled feathers to preen.
There’s always ‘back home’; Woody knows all is well.
Even with cats and foxes and guineas from hell.
Share a roll, fill a hole,
Chocolate bix, pose for pics –
The most wonderful bird ever seen.
Whisks, I should say it was a week until I became respectably
ambulant. I was traumatised for life.
Considering your sharpshooter. Should he be so foolsih he would
prbably be breaking several laws. For what that would be worth. I
suggest you tell you neighbours that he would be making a large
number of implacable enemies. Some of home might be more
unpleasant, when provoked, than he is.
Good news, Alan, except the life-long trauma. Can you not get
counselling?
Yes, thinking about it, the sharpshooter *would* be breaking laws -
about shooting in built-up areas or something like that - quite
apart from the excessive use of force against what can only be an
irritation? Snot like he's in fear of his life or anything, is it?
Big girl's blouse, that's what he is.
Nevertheless, I have adjusted our routine to ensure that Woody
stays aroundabouts as far as humanly (magpiely?) possible during
sociable hours. I'm trying. [Yes, very - I know]
Oh my!!! How Woody has grown into a sleek young man since I last
looked in. I have a lot to catch up on!
I can't read everything now ... too little time because I'm taking
a little while out from a family crisis ... but it appears on
skimming through here that there has been some incident involving a
shooter? I hope no-one has taken a pot-shot at our Woody?!
Hi Amarantha! It was/is a threatened shooting and one we hope to
avert. How can someone even contemplate it after all this! And
thanks yes, he is a fine figure of a young magpie!
Good luck with the family crisis :(
Thank you, Whisks for taking the time to write every day and let
the world know how Woody's been getting on. I can't tell you how
much I've enjoyed each update..but I suppose I don't need to tell
you. It has been a heart warming story and one that has helped
cheer me when I have been down.
Good luck to little Woody and good luck to you. xxxxx
Whisks, it has been an absolute delight to follow your inspired
accounnts of Woody's amazing exploits. From early 'gaping' and
interminable demands of 'Feed me!' to sleepless nights when the
errant aviator strayed too far; from cosy cuddles of a bosom pal,
to aerial combat with his corvine cousins; from laboriously
climbing each step of the stairs, to soaring in through the office
window for a perfect shoulder landing and a quick tickle and a
giggle. You've brought it all to life for us with your own
inimitable panache and understated humour. We salute you. What you
have done for young Woody cannot be calculated; you have given him
life - to rise up on wings, like eagles, to soar to ever new
heights of achievement, to be an inspiration for us all. Thank you
so much, Whisks. Perhaps the Magpie Daily might be replaced by a
Weekend Edition, or a Monthly. I do hope so. Fly on, Woody!
I'm going to miss this. It's a unique bit of history and has been
rather special. When you return may we hope for an update from time
to time? Not daily perhaps, but to hear nothing ever again would
leave a hole in the fabric of my personal universe. Somehow, I
think he will live his life in his territory and he will come back
home from time to time.
I echo what Gerilyn, Tony and Alan have all said. It's been
fascinating reading about Woody's exploits and you've written about
them so beautifully. I hope he continues to prosper and charm
everyone, while discovering his wings and even more magpie
potential. He looks such a sweetheart!
Beautiful, Whisks, simply beautiful. I think you're right to end
the daily updates at this point. Going away is good timing. I can
sense it's becoming harder to find new things to say, but every
post has been a joy. Woody's 10 wks are the equivalent of a human
child's 10 or more years and it's been a pleasure and privilege to
watch his journey. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Hugs
to you both.
PS: I'd be terrified of that beak pecking at my eyes - you're v
special and Woody definitely found the ideal foster parent. Well
done, Universe. You got it right!
Geri, thank you. I wouldn't have written it if people hadn't been
reading, so the praise reverts to the giver. And as Woody would
say. 'Pecker up!'
Tony, you're a true gent. And thanks so much for your inspired
poems and ditties along the way; they've been brilliant and part of
Woody's history.
Alan, I'm going to miss it too - but he's not dead, he's thriving!
Thanks for your input over the weeks; and I hope he'll stay
hereabouts too. He's on my screen right now, so no sign of wanting
to leave home yet.
Of course I'll add bulletins as and when. I'd be delighted to.
Thanks.
Oops, crossing with everyone!
Thank you Spangles, yes, he is a complete sweetheart and makes me
look at life afresh, over and over again. He's looking after his
wings extremely well - preening right now. His head is still velvet
baby feathers - I wonder if it will be replaced by proper feathers
when he has his first moult? The adventure continues!
Debi, thanks m'dear. I was filling up writing it, and filling up
posting it - it's been an emotional journey for me, too. As for my
eyes? Yes, I'm a little nervous, but we're family. He still has a
bobble on his own lower eyelid - the scar from the second crow
attack, but he wears his scars as we all do, as the sign of having
lived a full life.
Sniff, sniff, pass me a tissue. What can I say to you that hasn't
already been said. Woody (and you) have stolen a piece of my heart
( not to mention my mum and dad's). Thank you so so much for
sharing this with us. It has been very special and Woody certainly
picked the right mum. I hope that Woody's antics carry on and you
have a wonderful relationship with him for many years to come. Now
you need to get this out to the world so that other people can fall
in love with Woody the way we have. I hope that you will let us
know how he's doing from time to time. Writing this blog must have
taken up a huge part of each day and I thank you for taking the
time to share this with us. It has been comical, exciting and at
times worrying and we have lived every day with you. I can't tell
you how much we will miss this, but all good things must come to an
end. Thank you again Whisks. I wish I could find some words that
mean more than thank you, you have no idea how you have brightened
my days, made me smile and made me cry. Oh, and have a great
holiday, I'm sure you will miss each other like crazy, and he'll be
eagerly waiting your return.
Reading this was a delight Whisks. I read it through smiles and
tears. I couldn't load it previously but today was able to read all
so that is how I spent a rainy afternoon. Thank you. My mother and
her friends would love to read this and the fact that people found
it amusing and moving means others would get the same delight - it
is a story that needs to be told and you are certainly good at
that.
I hope he does well. And you too Whisks.
Weens, what can I say? You and your family have been great
cheerleaders for the both of us and we really appreciate it. I do
hope he's going to be all right when I'm not here, but as I said,
there are substitutes on and around the premises. Reading your
comments has brightened up my day, too.
Do you know, I may give it a go and try printing it up to see what
it looks like?
Bren, so glad you found us at last! And thrilled that you enjoyed
it when you did. Thanks for your kind wishes. You too.
Oh and Tony - forgot to say - your captions have been grand. Think
my favourite is where Woody's on the back of a chair looking down
at Tabitha, and you say something like, 'Well, I'd hoped for a
bigger turnout but but let's begin.' Cracks me up. :)
Thankf JtF as well as Tony, for your splendid captions to my
photos. They're inspired!
And BDM, you've very welcome, it was a pleasure to write; and I do
hope so too.
Just caught up with the last three entries - loved Woody's unique
way of dealing with the salesman, and ten weeks already? That's a
landmark to celebrate. Your last entry caught me by surprise -
didn't see it coming but I'm glad you're winding it all up on a
high. I will miss it though. Your witty, perceptive, engaging
writing has allowed me a peek through those goggles of yours and
it's been an amazing journey. I feel privileged to have been part
of it. Thank you.
Hi Skylark, anyone's welcome to try on my goggles - they get
stronger the more people use them so it's a win-win. Thanks for
your kind words - I'll miss blogging Woody too, but I'm glad to end
it on a high, as you say. It's been a joy - and I hope it will
continue to be so. Woody's tucked up in bed with the chickens and I
just went in there - it's pitch black outside but he hopped on my
shoulder anyway, then hopped back into bed. All's well.
Thank you sweetpea, :) Must say this writing-to-a-deadline, each
and every day no matter what, has been illuminating. I've learnt
loads, so I appreciate all the help and encouragement you've given
me.
I agree with Debi – leave 'em wanting more. Besides wonderful
entertainment, your ten week tale has offered us some quite
profound insights, particularly into the nature of real, everyday
love, and of course, what it is to be magpie and what it is to be
human. Thank you for the sharing, and for the enormous effort of
keeping your readers satisfied. J xxx
Couldn't resit a last limerick, and tribute to the Cloud's
favourite blogger, from one more satisfied reader.
Get those photos and blogs onto disks;
(Watch for foxes and crows and all risks)
Feed the cats and the chickens,
While the Woody plot thickens –
And that’s all before breakfast for Whisks!
Whisks - just catching up with the latest and the close of this
chapter.
I don't under estimate just how much effort it must have taken to
keep Woody alive, safe, fed and amused these 10 weeks - you're a
special person to devote so much time and love to a little
bird.
The writing has been just fantastic - revealing, funny, wry, scary,
emotional, entertaining and enormously skilled. It wasn't just the
story that got us all hooked, it was the telling of it too.
You should be swelling with pride for you both and basking in the
sunlight of admiration that flows your way daily.
He's a good kid that Woody and you're a great Mum.
The diary has been a joy and I look forward to seeing it in print
one day.
Thanks John, I'm thrilled you liked the tale of a simple lass and
the not-so-simple magpie :)
Tony, another cracker, Wow!
Mark, you're too kind - I'm grazing my ears when I walk through
doors now. Thank you.
Been away...................decorating and no time for the Cloud
recently but I logged on this morning and had to wipe a tear from
the corner of my eye as I read the last magpie blog - it's been a
real treat sharing Woody's tales, the scary ones and the funny ones
and may he soar high in the sky and meet a lovely lady magpie to
build a nest with. Look forward to any updates!
Thank you for staying with Woody's story, karen.
I have updated it fortnight later in a new blog, 'Filling the
Hole', found here:
http://writing-community.writersworkshop.co.uk/magazine/read/filling-the-hole_4296.html
Please login or sign up to post on this network. Click here to sign up now.
179 Comments
How wonderful to read of Woody's joyous return! I read this with a huge smile on my face. I think it's lovely that he's home, so I can only guess how you feel. But I know what it's like when one of our cats disappears for hours and doesn't respond to calls, before finally reappearing. Oh, the relief!
It's interesting that your theory about altercations with crows looks as though it's the answer to the puzzle of the missing Woody. And I can't help wondering whether the collective interest, affection and love of Woody that we all share here on the Cloud helped in some small way to keep him safe and help him find his way home.
I don't doubt that the collective pulling of us to get him home, played a part. Ain't that wonderful?
Love the last pic with Tony's poem and AlanP's comment- and Woody oblivious (maybe?) to the lot...
Geri - poo about your week! Off with it's head. I hope Woody's week will continue well [Gulp]
SS, no I don't think he's oblivious - he's quite savvy now - been away for a couple of days, doncha know?
trafalgar, nice to have you back here :)
Tony, no he roosted on top of the boiler last night; until 6am that is, when he bounced up and down on my sleeping body. This episode was going on forever, so I had to draw a line :)
Liss - thanks; yes, it's a pretty backdrop, isn't it? Well we like it, anyway.
Should go and find him now - it's been a while.
Thanks all.
And definitely not 'sentimental drippery' - that last post in the old blog was straight from the heart. Wonderful writing.
Thanks also to the clever and witty photo commenters - Tony, Johno and JtF. I think Woody and Pidge will run and run.
In energy terms, you seem to have got one and a half magpies back and double the appetite. A happy day.
Thanks Debi - you make me feel warm and fuzzy. And Woody too, no doubt.
Wow Mark, what a nice thing to say. Yes, I do indeed have an overloaded magpie on my hands! And it *was* a happy day.
Thanks Skylark and John - not an eventful day, but hey - not all of them are; although details are usually fruitful, if viewed in a fruity way :) Thanks for reading.
Thank you for that nugget, CW – it's more helpful than the average creative writing lecture!
You're very welcome, John!
Weens, glad to help with your fraught week and hope next one looks up. Yes, it can be trying, having a toddler toddling - you should see the state of my house (best not), but otoh, he is incredibly sweet and such fun to have around.
And talking of mouse cables, when our children were small, I had to take a broken one to our trusty local computer man. 'We don't see many of these broken,' he said. 'Was it the kids?'
'No.'
I guess he didn't have many customers with free-roaming pet rabbits who liked to visit the study.
Wx
Tony, Woody's not going anywhere until he's 30. Period.
Yes Spangles, he is a very smart bird. Thank you :)
Well done for keeping up the blogging. I have no idea how you fit it all in!
He looks very fit and well xx
Weens, it's mainly the angle of the photo but it is getting stronger; but he's so gentle with it! And the chickens aren't afeard, oh no! They chase him!
Thank you John. Agree - *I* never said animals don't enjoy pure play! Isn't it supposed to be a learning experience anyway? Anyone who doesn't think animals feel emotions - happy, sad, joyful, frightened - has never had or watched a pet properly.
Haven't we got about 46% DNA in common with a banana? So that takes care of the basic mechanism of life. The rest? We've got more in common than not, and it's more unreasonable to think that animals are machines, than it is to realise that we're all made of the same stuff. Of *course* we're near enough the same. *Stands down from soapbox*
Skylark, a giggling magpie is such a revelation! You can't help giggling too. :)
P.S. Random (and different) pictures appear black each time I log on. I wonder why?
Are you going to call this "Whisks' adventures of Woody", "The Perils of Woody" or ...
"Raiders of the Lost Magpie"
Alan, I haven't seen Woody since 2:15 and have just been out looking. That enough of a cliff-hanger for you?
How do you bear this daily angst? Hard enough for those of us a la distance.
Well, because I'm nice and all you Woody's aunties and uncles are nice, I'll say I have a smile on my face. Nuff said?
Thanks for caring. Honestly.
I'll blow my cliffhanger by saying that all is now well.
Thanks again.
Pim. I've no idea. Truly.
Geri, so did I dear, so did I.
Debi, you might be on your toes or your tenters; I'm on my knees.
Sky, yes. Just yes :)
John, that's reeeeally funny!
Alan, I don't blame you for tempting fate, honestly. Don't feel bad. Personally, I *do* think Harrison Ford resembles him; except HF is about 70.
Weens, his own profile page?! Did I mention I was on my knees?
Appreciate your concern peeps; Whisks is now so tired she's cross-eyed and singing a lullaby out-of-tune; she hopes to see straight tomorrow morning.
But I must ask a question. What does FAOD mean? For Any Old Duck? For An Orthodontic Dentist? Five Aunts On Dancefloor? Please enlighten me!
Thanks Spangles, I'm relieved too. Five Aunts on a Dancefloor? Tee bloomin' hee! Yes, that's it!
'For the Avoidance of Doubt' is far more boring, don't you think?
That's interesting, Weens - I've read that female magpies are the bossy ones; Woody is such a sweetie-pie that he's probably a boy bird.
We currently have a human-human, animal-animal conflict here in Andover, that has made the news. The news that broke first was that a dog had been stung to death by a swarm of bees. (Most unusual.) A vigorous campaign, including posters in public places and petitions was launched by the dog owners against the bee keeper, a near neighbour.
Then yesterday, it emerged that the dog had attacked the beehive and knocked it over. I wonder how many people signed the petition without that knowledge?
I'm sorry for the dog and I'm sorry for the bees; it's worrying when campaigns get launched on scanty information and the later delving doesn't get nearly so much coverage. Same thing happens with foxes. And many people told me how 'vicious' magpies where when I acquired one accidentally. I can truthfully say I've observed no such behaviour and I've had an unusually close-up view. It's early days, of course. The dog and owner who were 'terrified', may have been more 'startled' by the unexpected encounter and didn't know what to do. Or they may really have been 'terrified'. I don't know, I wasn't there.
Watching that you-tube vid of Christian the Lion reuniting with his English humans - I'd have been terrified if an adult lion had raced up to me; because I would have mis-understood his real intentions; yet what a wonderful thing?
If anyone hasn't seen it, or would like to see it again, here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btuxO-C2IzE
I loved the cream paint footprints... still laughing about them now.
On the subject of videos... you have a ready made star with you!
And when I put him to bed and see him happy in the henhouse on his curtain, all is well with my world.
Day 65 added.
And the kitchen roll - are you quite sure it wasn't the guinea fowl trying to get Woody into trouble?
As for blaming the Guineas - how could you?! Nah, fairly sure it's the Woodster, using up all that youthful energy!
"Who's the bird brain now?
"I never cease to be amazed at the ingenuity of the five magpies who visit our garden. I have seen them undo knots to release the fatball container and they also work out which way to unwind the string when I've wound it around the trellis in both directions. It didn't take them long to realise that dropping the container made the top spring open so they could help themselves to the contents. I was intrigued to see them hanging round the bird bath the other day. They were dropping something in and when I investigated I realised they were dropping dried mealworms in, waiting for a while, then eating them.
"Barbara Acres."
Thanks for reporting this, Tony; I'm not in the least bit surprised but it's very nice to hear how brainy they are from someone else :)
Lovely, helter-skelter and hilarious catch-up it was too.
The beauty of 'his' tail, the chaos of the kitchen roll.
Your fruit jewellery and the immortal mackerel skin.
Beautiful words, many smiles 8-)
Weens, not sure it was on here, but it should be! Thanks for flagging it up. He certainly has a big head, if that's anything to go by :)
Day 66 just loaded.
Thanks, Tony. Yes, the 'film' was video - so glad I've caught it, although I don't know if I can upload it here - even the soundtrack. And I think that mackerel's undead.
Woody's not just testing your boundaries but everyone else's too. Life's one big game at the moment and he wants to find out how much he can get away with. I remember my mum telling me and my two exuberant siblings that she always had to take us places twice: the second time to apologise ;-P
John - how sweet!
I was watching some magpies recently and they're very sociable with their family groups, so you may always have him with you, seems you're his mum! Even if he eventually does decide to explore further afield, I am more than sure he'll be home for tea - with those treats, he would have to. I expect he's a little humanised/chickenised - so he's going to act odd for a magpie, with his wanting to go out at night - although that could be something he's learned from your cat maybe?
He seems to be becoming a bit of a celebrity all round Whisks! You must be very proud of him.
Minxie, happy you're still following. Yes, they do seem sociable, don't they? The one time I saw loads, was when Woody was tiny and being bombarded by crows. I wondered if they were attacking or defending the baby, and I rather think the latter, as they've come for an occasional look-see. but otherwise haven't bothered him at all.
And yes, I'm extremely proud :)
Tony, it was a stroke of luck that he came to my aid yesterday night, or I'd have been stumped for something to write about, other than things I've already written about - the food stashing and caching, the 'faynights' position on my shoulder. It would otherwise have been a very short post!
And since he'd attacked the chicks I held the day before, I do think he's protective of me, which is so sweet. Mutual, of course :) Thanks for cheering us on.
Thanks Geri, Skylark and Liss - my heart is warming over with my brave little bodyguard. Hurrah indeed! He's my little soldier.
Btavo Woody. Good to have an attack magpie as a pal.
I agree with Tony. Doesn't a ring simply do what a chip does in cats and dogs? And if you do get him ringed, could it be a a bright dayglo one, or would it draw unwanted attention to him? It would certainly make him easier to identify with binoculars. And, as he's going to be quite a big bird would a tiny radio transmitter be a possibility?
All sounds a bit unnatural but his wonderful upbringing hasn't been exactly natural has it?
Oh, Day 68 loaded, btw!
"Each ring carries a unique reference number identifying that one bird. Numerous studies have demonstrated that placing a ring on the leg of a bird does not adversely affect its welfare – it is still able to move, breed and feed as normal. All ringing in the UK is monitored by the BTO which holds the huge database of birds ringed in this country since ringing started nearly 100 years ago. Nearly a million birds are ringed or recaptured every year."
The whole site is worth a look. You can find it here:
http://www.rspbliverpool.org.uk/ringers.htm
Good to hear his missing tail feathers are growing back.
I'm staying at my folks this week for some TLC, and my mum AND dad now badger me asking 'Has she posted yet?' When you eventually do, I read it to them and they both said to tell you, that you should write more, it's not long enough. I told them that was a sign of a good writer, leave them wanting more. All three of us look forward to hearing about his daily escapades.
"Magpies may be shot or trapped legally under general licence [which, I gather, is a universal licence that allows any 'authorised person' e.g. owner of the land to trap or shoot birds for the purpose of preventing serious damage to agricultural crops or livestock, preserving public health/air safety, or conserving wild birds - Tony] but for most of us, these two methods are impractical. Though magpies may become tame and confiding in certain areas, they are quick to disappear at the sight of a gun, and are notoriously difficult to shoot." ornathologists, Chris Mead and David Tomlinson.
"We are not opposed to legal, site-specific control of magpies, nor to the legal use of Larsen or other cage traps, as long as the general licence conditions are strictly adhered to.
We do oppose illegal magpie control, including poisoning, which has a high risk of accidentally poisoning other birds, including rare birds of prey.
Many people wish to control magpies in gardens because they take eggs and chicks of other birds. Since research indicates that magpies do not pose a conservation problem to garden birds, the use of general licence in this context is at best debateable."
It must be remembered that if challenged, anyone killing magpies in their garden may have to prove to a court of law that they had acted lawfully. This may be difficult given the lack of scientific evidence that magpies affect the conservation of garden bird species." - RSPB
In the light of what Chris Mead and David Tomlinson say, it might be a plan to let Woody see someone firing a shotgun - safely aimed to miss him, of course, and well away from your garden (he might never come back!). He may then recognise a gun in future and stay clear.
A policeman friend once told me that with BIG caveats (like that licence you mention), you're allowed to shoot animals if you have a fair chance of killing them - but it's illegal if you're only likely to wound them. So it would be illegal to shoot a cat with a pellet gun but not a mouse, since you're likely to inflict suffering on the cat rather than instant death. Although I expect the mouse would suffer too.
The Larsen trap you mention is the same thing I bemoaned in my previous blog, Little Bird Diary - where a decoy bird is trapped and as others come to investigate, they are shot. Horrid.
I'm bemused by the objection to predators taking eggs and chicks, given that humans do exactly the same thing unless they're vegetarians/vegans. One rule for us, eh? Nature in balance is the ideal, surely? And although I'd be heart-broken if Woody were taken by a predator, I do know it's the way of things and a better way to go than being winged by a bullet and dying slowly.
I might also add that Woody has turned up his beak at egg; he much prefers fruit and veg. I'm surprised, tbh.
However, the news that the onus is on the shooter to prove he acted lawfully is reassuring - although the best result would be to avoid it altogether.
Skylark, I agree - I hope the man was just sounding off and won't actually do anything.
Weens & Tony, I think I may have trouble finding out who it is - the news came to me via a chain of people who may clam up if questioned directly.
Weens - it warms my cockles to hear that your parents are fans - that's really lovely.
Debi - you're suggesting I get him a laptop and a satchel to carry it in, right? OK. Where's absent teen? I could accommodate him in the henhouse, if you like? Perch and breakfast?
I'm veeery short of spare time atm Tony, but it's a good thought. Thanks.
Ten whole thrilling weeks since the fledgling arrived;
It’s seventy days now that Woody’s survived.
There’ve been thrills, there’ve been spills,
There’ve been frights, out-all-nights
What a roll’coaster ride it has been.
We’ve all watched as the fledgling grew into a bird
We’ve adored all his antics, some skilled, some absurd.
Pinching rings – lots of things –
Hiding food; that’s not good,
But it’s par for the course for a teen.
Now leaving the roost he flies off to explore,
To the woods, the next street, or the people next door
Dodging crows and who knows
P’rhaps a gun – that’s no fun.
So back home, ruffled feathers to preen.
There’s always ‘back home’; Woody knows all is well.
Even with cats and foxes and guineas from hell.
Share a roll, fill a hole,
Chocolate bix, pose for pics –
The most wonderful bird ever seen.
Write on, Woody!
Considering your sharpshooter. Should he be so foolsih he would prbably be breaking several laws. For what that would be worth. I suggest you tell you neighbours that he would be making a large number of implacable enemies. Some of home might be more unpleasant, when provoked, than he is.
Yes, thinking about it, the sharpshooter *would* be breaking laws - about shooting in built-up areas or something like that - quite apart from the excessive use of force against what can only be an irritation? Snot like he's in fear of his life or anything, is it? Big girl's blouse, that's what he is.
Nevertheless, I have adjusted our routine to ensure that Woody stays aroundabouts as far as humanly (magpiely?) possible during sociable hours. I'm trying. [Yes, very - I know]
I can't read everything now ... too little time because I'm taking a little while out from a family crisis ... but it appears on skimming through here that there has been some incident involving a shooter? I hope no-one has taken a pot-shot at our Woody?!
Good luck with the family crisis :(
Thank you so much for your interest and support.
Good luck to little Woody and good luck to you. xxxxx
PS: I'd be terrified of that beak pecking at my eyes - you're v special and Woody definitely found the ideal foster parent. Well done, Universe. You got it right!
Tony, you're a true gent. And thanks so much for your inspired poems and ditties along the way; they've been brilliant and part of Woody's history.
Alan, I'm going to miss it too - but he's not dead, he's thriving! Thanks for your input over the weeks; and I hope he'll stay hereabouts too. He's on my screen right now, so no sign of wanting to leave home yet.
Of course I'll add bulletins as and when. I'd be delighted to. Thanks.
Thank you Spangles, yes, he is a complete sweetheart and makes me look at life afresh, over and over again. He's looking after his wings extremely well - preening right now. His head is still velvet baby feathers - I wonder if it will be replaced by proper feathers when he has his first moult? The adventure continues!
Debi, thanks m'dear. I was filling up writing it, and filling up posting it - it's been an emotional journey for me, too. As for my eyes? Yes, I'm a little nervous, but we're family. He still has a bobble on his own lower eyelid - the scar from the second crow attack, but he wears his scars as we all do, as the sign of having lived a full life.
I hope he does well. And you too Whisks.
Do you know, I may give it a go and try printing it up to see what it looks like?
Bren, so glad you found us at last! And thrilled that you enjoyed it when you did. Thanks for your kind wishes. You too.
And BDM, you've very welcome, it was a pleasure to write; and I do hope so too.
Get those photos and blogs onto disks;
(Watch for foxes and crows and all risks)
Feed the cats and the chickens,
While the Woody plot thickens –
And that’s all before breakfast for Whisks!
I don't under estimate just how much effort it must have taken to keep Woody alive, safe, fed and amused these 10 weeks - you're a special person to devote so much time and love to a little bird.
The writing has been just fantastic - revealing, funny, wry, scary, emotional, entertaining and enormously skilled. It wasn't just the story that got us all hooked, it was the telling of it too.
You should be swelling with pride for you both and basking in the sunlight of admiration that flows your way daily.
He's a good kid that Woody and you're a great Mum.
The diary has been a joy and I look forward to seeing it in print one day.
Huge thanks x
Tony, another cracker, Wow!
Mark, you're too kind - I'm grazing my ears when I walk through doors now. Thank you.
I have updated it fortnight later in a new blog, 'Filling the Hole', found here: http://writing-community.writersworkshop.co.uk/magazine/read/filling-the-hole_4296.html
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