Retired major: Mistle thrush song puts me 'in mind of a hopeless karaoke contender'

 

THIS letter appeared earlier in the week in The Daily Telegraph.

In his book The Charm of Birds, published in 1927, former Foreign Secretary Viscount Grey of Fallodon is more complimentary.

"There is boldness and wildness as well as sweetness in the tone.

"On a windy day in January, the mistle thrush sings aloft and conspicuous.

"There is, it has been well said, 'weather in his song'.

Grey continues: "On a windy day early in the year, the 'stormcock' will mount his tree and there, in full exposure, proclaim by song that he is vigorous and glad.

"Every year, he deserves to be honourably and gratefully saluted." 

* Edward Grey: The Bird Listener is available, price £2, as an e-book via Kindle 

https://amzn.to/3HZaSur