Take a moment –

All autumnal colour has been stripped from the trees and now the patchwork quilt of leaves blankets their roots, keeping them warm through the cold, damp winter months. The fruits are left glistening enticingly like jewels brightening the otherwise gloomy dark branches.

Birds flock to sample the tree’s wares, fattening up in preparation for the long lean months ahead. A thrush majestically perches on the topmost branch swaying regally with the breeze. It’s cream and black speckled chest representing the ermine cloaks worn by royalty. Its manner suggests it owns the tree and it surveys its kingdom imperiously, ready to defend its territory from any unworthy visitors.

A blackbird takes a chance and swoops silently to a lower branch where the tempting snow white berries look tantalisingly easy to reach. It manages to get one before the thrush spots the intruder and dives menacingly towards it. The blackbird takes flight closely pursued by the thrush.

A gang of twittering long tailed tits see their chance and flock excitedly to the unguarded tree. They begin to strip the branches haphazardly hopping here and there. They resemble a group of children raiding the local sweet shop after being released from school.

All too soon the return of the thrush heralds their time to leave the feast and they flutter off in a flurry of twitters. The thrush resumes his throne at the top of the tree. Peace reigns once again.