Something alarming in the tiny world of my feral pheasants: last night, Mum, Dad and Chick appeared for their evening feast of corn, sultanas and porridge oats, accompanied for the first time by an almost fully-grown youngster, who I shall call Teenager.
Teenager proceeded to chase Chick away, pecking at it and driving it down the garden away from the food. Then all three, minus Chick, went off together. Mum did a desultory search for her missing offspring, but was soon distracted by the other two moving off.
This morning, Chick was in the garden alone, cheeping rather disconsolately, or so I imagine. I took some corn out, but unfortunately, managed to frighten it off - it flew into the field at the back. Mum and Dad came by for breakfast about 30 mins later, but no sign of a fmaily reunion.
So - I feel really terrible. If I'd stayed inside, they would probably have met up by now. I'm sure people will think - 'for goodness sake, why's she making such a drama out of everyday stuff?' True - but if God really cares for every sparrow - then I don't feel in bad company for worrying for one small bird in my garden.
Oh - if anyone else has seen such behaviour or knows why it happens, I'd be interested to hear.
26/07/07 @ 10:41