Avian Update

Another year older, and finally I get my hearts desire. A new cock...

and what a big perky innuendo he is too...

The times they are a'changin'. This year someone forgot Winter. The Pyrenean slopes are devoid of the white stuff, with afternoon temperatures soaring to the 20's. We may be doomed, but so far it's quite a gentle doom down in the South of France.

Say one thing for climate change.
Say that my birthday, once in midwinter, is now well into spring!

And nowhere is that more clear than with my hoard of birds. Sorry. Flock to you...

My peacock (yet more possible play-on-words available) is really getting in the mood. His display is nearly fully grown and bloody impressive to everyone.

Everyone, that is, except his missus.

It was always and will always be thus.

Last year's baby has grown to the same size as its mother and appears to be of the same ilk. However, in the animal world, looks can be deceiving. Transgender has nothing on peacocks. It'll be another 6 months before we see if she's male or female. Or hairdresser.

The other newby birds, the Crowned Cranes, are developing a pink flush on their cheeks.

I'd feel pretty embarrassed too, living close to that vanity stricken peacock.

In other Early Spring Bird News, the lesbian swans started laying breakfast in mid January! I'm not sure what the lethal dose of omelette is, but my arteries live in fear now that the second of them has started laying too.

That rose bush also appears to be slightly concerned.

Birds, as I'm sure you are aware, are the only living dinosaurs. Thus, being short of non-avian dinosaurs, we've decided to plant one.

This weeping cedar will one day grow into one of those dinosaur shaped trees. Await the next photo in about twenty years time.

Planting for posterity.

I'll leave you with this picture of unrequited vanity.