Comings

outgrown
outworn
preened
pruned
feathers
re-arranged

Normally there's the resident family of up to five magpies keeping watch on me. But in the lateness of one afternoon a few short weeks ago a new normal flew down. I counted a dozen that afternoon. Three mornings later and twenty-two looked right back at me.

Do you suppose they've been playing some sort of avian relay game with me, five groups of four plus two refs?

Magpies are very territorial but so far there are no signs of disputes other than the younger ones getting a peck whenever they step out of line. So I'm guessing it must be some sort of extended family gathering and hopefully no one will outstay their welcome. We seem to be on a steady count of eighteen at the moment.

One for Sorrow
Two for joy
Three for a girl
Four for a boy
Five for silver
Six for gold
Seven for a secret never to be told
Eight for a wish
Nine for a kiss
Ten a surprise you should be careful not to miss
Eleven for health
Twelve for wealth
Thirteen beware it's the devil himself.
(old superstitious rhyme)

Ol' Captain Devil has had me stuck fast in the doldrums; floundering, not drowning aboard his ship of Distractions. Hopefully I can catch an energising beam or two from tonight's full moon and reset my passage.