It’s paused at the moment because of avian flu, but in the UK the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme is a fantastic long running study into the causes of death in raptors. When it’s open again, they accept carcasses for post mortem and they feed back to you the report on “your” bird. So if you find one again do consider submitting it - at least more knowledge can come from death. It’s really important for tracking the impact of things such as pesticides.
Cheers for this. Yeah, we contacted DEFRA and they've come and taken it away to identify cause of death. The lad fetching it said about 10% of the birds he's collecting are avian flu at the moment.
Less a story of Icarus than the Andromeda Strain. A beautiful eulogy from one of the last living things that scavenging eye observed. I imagine you were surprised at how light the buzzard was when you lifted it, fitting given your prose. Thanks for the magic.
An interesting perspective, on a bird normally presiding over the carrion itself.
We are lucky to watch daily a couple of huge Red Kites who seem to love hanging out in the oak trees in our garden. Never seen a dead one. Often wondered…who devours the apex predators?
Thank you for this poignant, diverting vignette, which was like a window opening in my dreary day.
It’s paused at the moment because of avian flu, but in the UK the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme is a fantastic long running study into the causes of death in raptors. When it’s open again, they accept carcasses for post mortem and they feed back to you the report on “your” bird. So if you find one again do consider submitting it - at least more knowledge can come from death. It’s really important for tracking the impact of things such as pesticides.
Cheers for this. Yeah, we contacted DEFRA and they've come and taken it away to identify cause of death. The lad fetching it said about 10% of the birds he's collecting are avian flu at the moment.
A beautiful bit of prose, sir. Utterly poignant
Imagine if Ted Hughes had had an iPhone with him.
Gorgeous writing. You always write so well but it’s lovely to be able to focus on beauty rather than anger. Thank you for the pause.
Less a story of Icarus than the Andromeda Strain. A beautiful eulogy from one of the last living things that scavenging eye observed. I imagine you were surprised at how light the buzzard was when you lifted it, fitting given your prose. Thanks for the magic.
Profound and beautiful.
“Only as life exits a body do you sense what life really is.” I work in a care home and this is so true. 💕
An interesting perspective, on a bird normally presiding over the carrion itself.
We are lucky to watch daily a couple of huge Red Kites who seem to love hanging out in the oak trees in our garden. Never seen a dead one. Often wondered…who devours the apex predators?
Beautiful Henry, thank you. I would have loved a cheap and hilarious jibe at Niggle Forage of course.