Here is Hugh watching the skies.

 

I was shocked the other day when Hugh brought in a dead baby sparrow. I dread this time of year when all the fledglings make their first attempt at flying. Cats seem to know this and become very patient and watchful, locating nests and setting up a stakeout.

I have to say I don't mind too much when they catch mice, but birds still give me a feeling of guilt. I have been watching the sparrows fledging myself in a quest to save any if they fall to the ground. There was a close moment yesterday when one flew in a somersault but made it to safety after a struggle. Its mother flew after it looking very alarmed but everything ended well.

 

 

 

Mischievous Teddy

 

While Hugh seems to specialise in birds, Maisy and Teddy seem to concentrate on mice. Teddy likes to go out when it's pouring with rain. This increases his chances of sneaking up on the alert little critters. He then proudly brings them in, drenching everything with his thick, long coat and traps them in the hallway. The hallway is long and narrow with nowhere to hide from a playful cat. He then proceeds to terrorise them until I hear him and throw him out. He has learnt though that I put the mouse out of the front door, so as soon as I put him out the back, he runs around the front of the house and the game continues. I have now taken to walking up the road to an old field and releasing them. If he saw me I'm sure he would be in there like a flash.

 

 

 

Queen Maisy

 

Maisy used to be a prize mouser but these days she looks down on the practice, preferring to give her catch to one of the boys and watch them play instead. It must be a sign of her age.