Three days ago I heard the strangest bird cry in the front garden. I looked about and saw a magpie flying from one of the ash trees pursued by a smaller bird. A bird I didn’t recognise immediately. The magpie flew away and the other bird settled high in the branches of the tree

It happened again yesterday – the same alarm call and magpie chased by the smaller bird. This time I was forewarned(Dr Google) with the strange knowledge that Mistle Thrushes guard their nest and nesting partner from marauding magpies. I was too late to catch the encounter but it thrilled me. Just now, as I was peacefully practising Tai Chi in the courtyard, the terrible war cry started and I stopped mid set and grabbed my phone. Forgive the rambling footage below (and the intrusion of one of the little pied wagtails that live around The Gables). Click below