The sun-glowing garden’s afternoon’s peace Was suddenly shattered as a noisy pair of magpies Alighted on an apple tree and then quickly Flitted about from tree to tree. They kept up a constant staccato yakety-yak-yak- A handsome pair of swashbucklers swaggering About in their shiny black and white plumage. It was clear that theirs was no rescue service operation. Rather, it seemed like a well-organised desperado Assault mission, as the terror-stricken small birds, Sparrows, blackbirds, robins and blue tits started up Their frightened protests and flew wildly about, Hoping to divert the marauders’ attention From their nesting places. However, assistance was coming from an unexpected quarter - from two despised, low caste crows, fair dues to them! They sent out their alarm calls singly and in pairs from distant oak trees their kinfolk rallied and flew towards the trouble spot and alighted near the magpies. The crows kept flitting about them and squawked at them. Both sides seemed to be name-calling and there was much bullying cackle and could I but translate it I’m sure there were bird swear words used too! Oh, such a tanterageeley it was! I had been fascinated just watching the play, but eventually I had seen and heard enough of the commotion and like a movie director I suddenly arose from my seat, clapped my hands together loudly and shouted “cut”! There was instant silence and then in two fluttering moments the lot – choppers and rescue services alike were dispersed. The mothers of young birds and minders of egg clutches quietly made their way back in stages to their nests on the hedges and peace was again restored to my haven.