A jackdaws tale

[Mark Bolam]

We were taking down a knackered ash on May 23rd at a posh estate we work on a fair bit, belonging to a TV producer millionaire who we’ve never met.

There were a few targets, but standard stuff, and the day was going to plan until Danny Mac was chogging the (hollow at this point) stem down, at about 2’ dia.

He shouted down ‘I’ve got company up here!’.

2 young but fledged birds, looking miserable and covered in sawdust.

He cut a mortise in the butt and I sent up a flat piece of wood to act as a cap and keep the rain off them.

Left the stem and went to the pub.

Kept in touch and were assured the parents were around, noisily.

Back today to finish the job, no desiccated bodies thankfully!

Hollow for 3’, twigs for 2’, stinking mush for the rest and 6’ of solid at the base.

At one point I thought my 660 was chucking out diarrhoea instead of sawdust. A unique aroma. Serious wet rot.

No brackets anywhere near base, a few small ustilinia higher up.

Paid before we got home.

Apparently the client was very happy that we did the right thing.

I was happy to give the little guys the chance.

I’ve shot hundreds of the little buggers over the years, but every true shooting man will know how I feel.

 

Hedgecutting in town later for 4 hours.

 

The first few pints had no chance.

[Rich Rule]

Well done mate.

 

Dont want that nesting lot on ya back.