Close encounter with a cormorant

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It was a beautiful warm, slightly muggy evening last week when I nearly cycled into a tree. I spent too long staring at what I thought was a black bin bag hanging from a branch. On closer inspection (brought about by stumbling off bike trying not to end up in the river) I realised it was a cormorant. Just sitting there in the middle of town, keeping an eye on the river from its perch in the tree. It seemed oblivious to my fumbles with my bike just a few metres away. I swear there was a slightly weary look in its eye as it eventually turned its head to look at me as if to say: 'Yes, and, your are staring at me why exactly?" I picked up my wheels and made my exit.

On the domestic front I have been watching a wood pigeon make a nest in the tree at the end of our garden. Pigeons may not be the most fascinating birds but my interested in this particular specimen can be found in my determination to cry 'but I have!' to this age old question. Thanks Max Wurr for your slightly patronising but useful answer.

I have also made pals with a robin. He follows me when I dig in the garden and will come right up to my spade. I know they are not shy but this one is a really friendly chap. I am going to get some mealworm if I can and follow Simon King's tips on hand feeding them. He made it look quite easy, as though you just chatted to it a few times and it came to your hand for dinner. Surely not?! Anyone ever tried this - am I wasting my time in the summer when it already has lots of lovely grubs to feast on??

ps fellow bloggers, I have just started using Zemanta when I blog and, even for the technologically inept like me, it's a pretty nifty tool.

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