Buzzard encounter

I was walking Milo, the collie, in the local, beautifully secluded woodland behind the house. It is a really peaceful spot, and I value having such a natural place on my doorstep, where I can just step away from the sounds of the city (well, most of them).  Just recently I saw a buzzard there, which was very exciting, as I had not realised that they are now living in cities as well, and had not expected to see one in Birmingham.

Five minutes after arriving in the woodland, I heard the cat-like cry of the buzzard - it is distinctive, a sort of meeaw which you can hear here, at the RSPB site. All of a sudden, a bird thudded down onto the path ahead of us, flump! and for a second I thought it was a baby buzzard, fallen out of the nest. It seemed to have big feet. I soon realised it wasn't moving, so I put Milo on his lead and ventured to have a look. I could see it was dead, and on closer inspection it was clear why: it was a headless pigeon. That's right, a pigeon without a head. There was no blood gushing everywhere, so I wondered if it was something which had fallen out of the buzzard's nest. I went along the path in great excitement, and then stopped for Milo to potter in the side. There was a rustle in the trees overhead. I looked up, high, into the tall branches and there, right over my head, was the buzzard. It sat, staring down at me, those amazing eyes watching me looking up at it!  It was fantastic to see it so close-up, but in the next second it took flight and I saw its large, brown wings outstretched as it went towards the lake.

I was so excited, Milo and I ran all the way to the lake, (he just thought it was a game), and I checked with my heart beating fast that the coot chick was still visible (and not soon to follow the pigeon). It was still there, thankfully, and is getting larger - just one remains from a second clutch of five eggs, so I am glad that it survives!

I got back to the house, and after relaying my story in great excitement, I came downstairs and went into the living room. I was only in there a few seconds when I saw a baby bird on the inside of the glass, beating at the window trying to get out. It was certainly turning into a weird evening. I think it was a robin, with a speckled breast, and one has been in the kitchen before. They must come in through the back door when it is open for Milo. I quickly opened a window and it flew out, just as someone from next door was coming up the path..."Oh!" she exclaimed in surprise as a bird flew out of the window towards her. What would she have thought if she knew my nickname was bird lady!?