Black Murder!

I listened as all the birds on the hillside started sending up a panicked din.  It seemed that something wicked was out and about the Bayou.  Hmm..I thought I better investigate.  This could mean trouble for all my baby birds that have not fledged yet.  Some predator had made an appearance and was causing a stir among the songbirds.  I grabbed the camera and whispered "Come" to Ms. Ez.  She was on her feet and ready to go!  I always feel a tad safer with her along.  If this intruder happened to be a snake, she would see it far before my old eyes could focus.  If it happened to be a coyote, fox or bobcat..well, she would sure be a help!

Once outside, we hesitated long enough to get a direction.  Ahh, the ruckus was taking place near the Bayou's edge.  This meant it could be any number of predators as the marsh is home to a lot of critters.  We eased our way through the arbors and down the hill.   I glanced at Ezzy..she did not seem edgy.  Perhaps this was a false alarm.  Still, we proceeded on with our quest.  The birds were so alarmed about something.  Coming to a clearing near the marsh, I stopped and searched the treetops for the alarm-sending jays.  Their voices were by far the loudest making them easiest to spot.  Suddenly, the entire company of birds took flight!  So..it must be a threat of the avian sort!

Sure enough, across the way, a lone crow flew to the top of a dead tree.  His cawing relieved me in a way but still disturbed my inner self.  I knew this marauding menace would eat every baby bird he could find!  There was not much I could or would do at this point.  It seemed that the songbirds were winning the battle and the poor old crow was getting whupped! The Redwinged Blackbirds had taken up the cause and were dive-bombing the crow in such a relentless manner!  I watched as they literally sent the crow and its (unseen to me) buddy flying off into the woods.  I know these two will be back.  They love to feast on nestling birds and I have plenty in the yard.  Hmmm..there must be a reason that a flock of crows is called a "murder".