Shoot 'em!

No, not really.

But I do blame the starlings for another avian pox dunnock casualty and my swollen hand after cutting my finger on a pot shat on by the blighters.

In the two hours waiting for the NHS to call me back about suspected blood poisoning, did I a) die; b) drive to A&E despite the swollen hand making gear changing painful; c) amputate my left hand, or d) soak the hand in salty water? Yes, that's right, I chopped it off. Good old billhook.

The salty water actually worked wonders. Not that I was "better", but I could at least move the finger. A bit. And it was less painful. Maybe, I thought, I will not die.

My sister, who suggested the salt, also suggested capturing and testing the ill-making starlings.

What other news? More sightings of Rascal.

And, once the rain stopped, everyone was eager to get food.

I mentioned rain: a veritable storm. All morning and through to mid afternoon. The plants will appreciate it. Especially as another dry hot spell is forecast.