When the birds condescend to attend the bird table whilst I am watching it, it’s either the pigeons or the magpies first. Now, if it is the pigeons, they are a little bit hesitant, obviously mapping out the garden to make sure there is no risk to them. Now, they aren’t the most attractive of birds, I think it must be that scowling look and hooked beak, so I don’t view them positively. Anyhow, after a couple of minutes, they are on top of the bird table and working out how to get on to the feeding area as the table is only just a bit larger than a single bird. I must admit, I think Navy pilots could learn a thing or two from them about landing on a carrier. It is very interesting to watch.
Now the Magpies; they are very good at letting you know they are there, their chittering at anything which annoys them can be heard from a long way off. The first thing is that they are quite bouncy birds. They land on the shed roof, and bounce about sizing up the area. They might land on the ground and bounce around there for a bit, and then they make the decision to head for the table. For such an up front, noisy brash bird, they really are remarkably timid and flighty. They one stay on the table for a few seconds at a time, off, and back again. They don’t stay long. A pity. They’re a nice looking bird and, despite their reputation, I like them.
The ships side of thing. I arrived at the waterfront just as the Normandie was passing the Spinnaker, with my camera set to night mode and with a 5 second long delay before moving the shutter I wouldn’t get that picture so the one I got is the image at the top. Even if I say so myself, a reasonably interesting one.
Bills Posts 