There’s only one way to get rid of a bully bird

I HAD a special cage built because I like the little birds. The cage stopped the crows eating everything.

Now I have a thrush with a glorious speckled chest but it looks as though it swallowed a small football. It is fat and also a bully. It just sits there as though it was in charge of everything and won’t allow any of the small birds near the lovely food in the cage.

I get angry as it is there from the time I walk into my little office until I can’t see the garden any more. I shouted at it every 10 minutes or so and slammed the window. It flew off but was soon back. Realising my anger was getting me nowhere except, perhaps, a compulsory restraining order and a broken window, I asked a wise friend for help. She lives in the hills above Avoca and used to work in psychiatry. She had the answer immediately.

“Call it Biffo. Then you can laugh at it. You know it will be gone soon and you can get on with your work.”

Thanks heavens for wise ladies and small communities.

Dick Barton

Kevin Street

Tinahely

Co Wicklow