[Ag-eq] Notes From The BlanchRanch: Avian Chronicle cont

[Jewel]

This morning, I heard a mature blackbird in  the distance, and, of course, I do not know if it was 
Blackie, but I  think that it is, probable that it was he, but he has handed his former territory 
over to Junior, his son, and, being the honourable, well brought upp bird that he is, he will abide 
by the rules of good behaviour and will stay out of the boy's way!!!

Junior's voice is getting stronger, hour by hour, and I mean that, literally.
He has a long way to go before he reaches the operatic heights of his revered male parent, but he is 
naught but a studious child at present;  however, onward and upward:  he is headed in the right 
direction!!!
Next bird:  Natterbuddies.
For a time, farmers killed them by the thousand because the birds eat the grass seed that the farmer 
spread to renew the pasture, but then, it was discovered that the natterbuddies weren't the real 
enemy:  that went to the two species of grass grub, which, in the case of a bad infestation, could 
destroy acres of pasture overnight.
Yes!  it was, undeniable
that starlings did take a percentage of the seed, but that was far outstripped by the damage done by 
the grass grub so the pastoralists had a change of heart and instead of killing the birds, they 
encouraged them by providing luxurious apartments for them:  well, just nest boxes really, but who 
minds a little exaggeration from time to time?

          Jewel