Some people in the neighborhood have passed out leaflets explaining how peppermint oil liberally applied to deck rails can keep the seagulls and pigeons away… the peppermint is not agreeable to the birds. I will not be doing that. While I do not encourage the birds’ visits by feeding them, I enjoy their visits. Being on the water’s edge means there are many birds about, but it seems that only Fred and his mate visit… and ever so briefly each time. No mess, no fuss, just loveliness.
Seeing the birds busy nesting reminds me of a great story…