starlings

just put this photo here to remind me of something

 

 

starlings

 

a wire's worth of them yesterday

so shy

no binoculars

but

I knew they were starlings

 

they scudded along the wire with my approach

then flew off

murmuring

in small waves as they went

 

 

 

there are not many birds around these days

 

 

***

 

there is an owl niche available

if any barn owls are listening

call me and I will give you the address of the patch

 

the patch was vacated by the demise of a wonderful little barn owl

he used to show himself each evening before dark

on vole patrol

but he is dead

found

in a secluded ancient hedgerow

food for foxes

I wonder if he was shot or poisoned

 

 

so there is a gap

an owl-shaped gap

near the festival field.

 

I need a barn owl to fill it and fill our hearts with wonder and peace