First fieldfare of the winter.

Yesterday, while at work, I saw my first migrant thrush of the winter. 
I was sitting in the window-ledge which overlooks a brick-paved courtyard some 6m wide and backed by a steep slope with hawthorns and planted birches. It is a popular spot with small passerines owing to the thick cover and abundant haw and ivy berries.

My attention was drawn by an urgent, high-pitched squeal. I looked out of the window and saw, on the ground, this season's first fieldfare. Unfortunately it was lying upon its back and in the death grasp of a female sparrowhawk.

The hawk continued squeezing, while keeping a close eye upon myself and my work colleague, until the thrush went quiet and stopped struggling. She then took off vertically and flew into the trees.

An exciting way to start a morning's work.

ps

This is my most important news and I forgot to mention it.

The upcoming badger cull has pushed me to where I was too apathetic to go alone.
I am going to become a vegetarian.

Possibly, once I become acclimatised, I shall turn vegan. We shall see.

I blog therefore I am.

I have read the following so many times while browsing the internet ; I apologise for the sparsity of posts etc...

Well, I do. Things will change very soon. I will be blogging much more. I am not promising to be the most gripping read on the web, but I will be accurate, and my futile ranting may provide some entertainment value.

I can provide lessons in razor-sharp sarcasm (my PhD subject) and there will be lots of pretty pictures.

I will also provide an explanation for my little avatar showing the main entrance to Pettitts Animal adventure park at Reedham, Norfolk. (I have no connection to the place, and anyway, its probably closed for the winter).

Just socked it to a worthless piece of motoring scum in a transit van.

I was cyling on an urban road, uphill, on the left. it was narrowed to the width of one motor vehicle by parked cars. I was there first. I took the centre of the lane. Mr dickhead came straight down the road, therefore straight at me. He blinked first. Scumbag.

The van was very distinctive. I believe that I will soon be publishing the registration number.

Cyclists 1   :    Motons 0. 

Its the small things in life that bring pleasure.