Diary: May 2003

After April 30th's duel between plastic and real heron, I thought that perhaps we had the 'problem' licked, but it was not to be: the heron was back today and, according to my family, was standing convivially next to our plastic one as it eyed the fish in the pond!

This calls for a dramatic rethink of our heron policy. I think that rather than worry about our few goldfish (if there are indeed any left), we shall let this magnificent bird have its way with them and we'll just enjoy its visits. Special measures may be necessary during next year's frog spawning, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Another new garden tick: guinea fowl! Although I was out during today's heron visit, I was lucky enough to arrive home at a time of great excitement: there were two guinea fowl in the garden! I should know by now not to be surprised by anything which turns up in this garden.

My wife apparently saw the same two birds in the lane which runs close to our house yesterday. The birds were very tame and allowed me to approach quite close for this shot. Our cat also tried her luck at stalking them, so I had to chase them away - they objected and left with some very raucous squawking. I hope their owners manage to recover them.