Red in tooth and claw

[strange_complex]

I have just watched one of my blackbird chicks die after being pecked by a magpie. I banged hard on the window as soon as I saw it happening, but it was too late for that chick. It thrashed and twitched for a while, and then was still. I don't know where the parents are, and I can't tell if the other chicks are OK or not.

I feel really shaken up about it, although I did know that it was unlikely all four would survive. I saw some pigeons close by the nest earlier, too. I didn't think they were such ones for eating other birds' chicks as magpies, but it looks like they would, given half the chance.

I know this stuff happens all the time, but I had got really involved with these blackbirds. At this rate, I shall be sitting up all night with an air-gun, defending them whenever the parents aren't around.

Not happy.

Comments

[strange-complex.livejournal.com]

Yes, it is. I actually feel really quite queasy about it, and I am having to try really hard to tell myself not to look out of the window, because I just don't want to see what's there any more.

The magpie just came back a minute ago and tried again. The mother chased him off very quickly (it was her cries that mande me realise something was happening), but I just know he is going to keep on coming back and back now. They'll be lucky if any of the chicks survive his attentions at all.

[dakegra.livejournal.com]

now he knows they are there, it looks like they're in for a tough time.