Checkmate, jay
Sep. 7th, 2020 13:23![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
torquillAs I stood on the ladder, sweat pouring off my face and chest, I reflected that I have had brighter ideas than standing with my upper body under the unventilated roof peak of an uninsulated shed during the hottest part of the day.
Still, the job itself wasn't difficult, and I can cross another item off my list. When the Stellar's jay flicks itself in through the main door of the Shippen this afternoon, it will find the ventilation slats at the top of the chickenhouse barred by poultry wire, securely stapled to the studs. No more up-and-over into the chickenhouse to eat the cracked corn and, oh joy, peck a hole in the top of a freshly-laid egg. I have been around enough lately that I have foiled its last dozen attempts by collecting the eggs right away, but when we were running errands on Friday it took advantage of my absence.
I had been playing the long game, however. I had bought a sturdy stepladder, and collected a roll of wire, and I had the necessary tools... I said that when I had recovered a bit from our day in town, I would make my move.
I just wish I could see the expression on its beak when it realizes it's been thwarted for good.
Still, the job itself wasn't difficult, and I can cross another item off my list. When the Stellar's jay flicks itself in through the main door of the Shippen this afternoon, it will find the ventilation slats at the top of the chickenhouse barred by poultry wire, securely stapled to the studs. No more up-and-over into the chickenhouse to eat the cracked corn and, oh joy, peck a hole in the top of a freshly-laid egg. I have been around enough lately that I have foiled its last dozen attempts by collecting the eggs right away, but when we were running errands on Friday it took advantage of my absence.
I had been playing the long game, however. I had bought a sturdy stepladder, and collected a roll of wire, and I had the necessary tools... I said that when I had recovered a bit from our day in town, I would make my move.
I just wish I could see the expression on its beak when it realizes it's been thwarted for good.
