'One for Sorrow .....'

Well, I'll be blowed. Only this evening, as I bought my customary 'pound and half of bird food' (minced beef) at the butchers, I mentioned to Lyn how I'd noted " Peg Peg ", my female bird, had brown feathers beneath her belly today. I'd said how that was Not a good sign.

What I never thought to mention was how she hadn't sprung down to all but feed from my hand today either. Really just remembered that now.

Tonight, having come home in the dark, I'd briefly put the outside light on. I noticed then there was only one bird on the roost. Figured that was the male bird. Also figured 'Peggy' must be huddled under the slate, on the ground. Not a good place to spend the night.

Just let the Dogs out. I flicked the lamp at the roost. One bird. Glanced under the slate. Then I spotted her. Tight into the opposite corner. Head, seemingly, tucked under her wing. Something about her feathers telling me she was frozen solid. Quite dead. Poor thing.

No way of knowing what goes on there, see? I catch them and may have a good idea of their gender. But, I can only guess at their ages. Pegs had been with me several months now and was perfectly adapted to her new life. (Did I catch her November, 2008? I honestly don't remember. Don't think I recorded it anywhere either) Anyway, she was happy. Had the life of Riley 'till yesterday. Or today. Then she didn't feel too clever. Bunched up. Gone, in her sleep.

Wonder what'll happen now? Will the male bird die, 'of a broken heart', as humans are fond of putting it? Will I catch a passing female for him? Will I come up with something else to keep in my aviary? Can't think what. The small birds that always fascinated me now come freely to my peanuts. Even nest in my sheds. I'm happy to see them that way.

Always fancied a Little Owl. But, they'd be a bugger to feed. I wouldn't want to keep one in solitary. I'd find a pair. But, couldn't feed them. So ..... See what happens next, I s'pose. The male bird has his safe house, as long as he needs it. Just musing ahead.