The little chappy was FURIOUS!!! He'd spent the time building the nest, collecting the sticks, twigs, crisp packets and polystyrene cups, and weaving them into a floating masterpiece.
Now there was some... something sitting in it.
Actually, what the hell is that thing?!
It didn't matter he thought. If it wasn't a lady Coot, then it shouldn't be in there.
It certainly wasn't anything he'd seen before. Foreign he thought, definitely foreign. That must be why it didn't understand the usual Coot calls and warnings.
Well, it better not be there tomorrow, or... or.. or..., well, it better not be there...
Note:- I assume this Terrapin is a discarded pet. They're certainly not indigenous. I'd love to know if it's managed to grow to this size since it's been released, and how it manages in the winter. The ever warming climate should work in its favour.
On the way to visit them is a fast section of road. Here, many rabbits fall victim to their own over confidence that they can outrun a speeding car. The corpses are quickly pounded into the road until only a velvety outline is left. It seems a waste. If I come across a fresh body I'll take it for the cubs.
Not willing to share the cabin with a bleeding body, I'll prop it up outside at the bottom of the windscreen. Usually they just look like they are asleep. It wasn't until I came to the dark country lane and switched on my rooflights that the full horror was illuminated. Its eyeball was hanging out and flapping in the wind, tapping on the glass....AAAargh!
Still, the fox cubs didn't seem to mind. "I wuv my wabbit!.."
