A murder of crows

Another bad night, though courtesy of something I ate. I was up several times throughout the night, and Mewthos also mewled for attention on a few occasions.

Sunday night I experimented with leaving the bedroom door open over night, rather than shutting all cats into the bedroom. Since there was no incident, I’ll continue leaving the door open. Of course, I feel neglected now, since Lady Jane and Ziva prefer to sleep in the lounge – but I think I will get over it. With the windows now closed, the bedroom is pretty stuffy at night, so I understand their preference. Mewthos, however, hangs on my apron strings – so to speak. I have to put my hand out for him to snuggle on during the night, although he also retreats to the lounge at times.

I’m leaving them to roam the flat during the day, as well. I just have to keep an eye on Lady Jane! She is so fast and so eager to get out the front door! I’m convinced that is how she ended up being shut out on Saturday. I thought I had shut her in the bedroom, but she must have shot between my legs as I was closing the door!

Reminds me of that time when Earl ‘escaped’ and was down the stairs, running happily towards the road so fast, even Ziva nearly didn’t catch him in time! And now, I can open the door and the Mips will only go into the garden WITH me. Well, until evening, that is – that’s when they’ll go with or without me. I foresee some difficulty in winter, when it’ll get dark before six!

Back at home the Mips have been busy with my laundry – I worded that carefully: busy with; as in spread everything – including the basked – throughout the flat! Good thing I don’t bring company home! The sight of all my underwear spread across all rooms is not likely to make the best impression!

While Rose and I were sitting downstairs something really freaky happened: All the crows from far and wide started gathering in the trees next door! I’m not talking two, three or even six crows, I counted at least twenty and I’m guessing there were actually somewhere between thirty to forty crows! All gathering in the same two trees! The Alfred Hitchcock movie ‘The Birds’ came to mind! Neither Rose nor myself had ever even heard of such a large murder of crows gathering, let alone seen it! Until today, at most, we’ve seen five crows in the area, never more. But I could see them coming from far away, just black and white specks, then joining the group. I was worried they might attack the kittens – since I’ve been warned that some crow(s) dive-bombed my bedroom window, where the kittens were sitting. So I moved to where they were playing – Ziva was quite uneasy as well.

I took some photos, but only after the majority had left. They all took off and flew into the same direction – west. Leaving just a few behind. In the photo I count eight birds – so my guesstimate of forty would seem to be on the conservative side.

 

I count eight for sure, and another three maybe's

As it was getting a bit late, Rose and I went inside … but Rose called me back soon afterwards: The Terror was sitting on the wall, eyeing my kittens! So I chased her off, and called the Mips inside. Lady Jane and Mewthos happily followed, but Ziva stayed outside.

Some time later, I wanted to lock the gate and saw The Terror moving in to attack Shadow, who was cowering by the far wall! Down I went to chase her off – but the Mips followed me outside. Both Shadow and Ziva were grateful for my assistance, though. Lady Jane came back upstairs with me, but Mewthos decided he’d rather play some more.

Sure enough, I soon heard feline distress screeching and flew downstairs! The Terror had attacked Mewthos! I didn’t exactly see, because I was watching my step down the stairs to come to his rescue, but from the behaviour of Ziva, Shadow and Mewthos, he was definitely frightened! Ziva and Shadow had their tails bushed – but I don’t think they got involved … I guess they relied on me, since they come off second best in any encounter with The Terror.

I couldn’t see any injury on Mewthos, though – and I must say that it’s thanks to The Terror that I have no problem herding my cats inside now! Mewthos is recovering from the shock, and even Ziva isn’t sitting by the door demanding to be let out again. The Terror is actually working in my favour: I get to be the Superhero to my cat family plus they stay happily close to me when we’re in the garden.

As I write this, I hear sounds coming from the kitchen. Sounds of play, Ziva hmrring (a kind of happy, satisfied short sound). Sounds of my laundry basket sliding across the tiles. I peek over the counter and indeed have the pleasure of seeing Ziva at play with Lady Jane – with, indeed, my laundry basket. As she sees me she sits up and looks at me, so I send her cat kisses, which she returns – then comes for some loving before she goes back to play!

Right, time for the felines to munch, so we’re all ready to sleep!