A splendid ash tree stands in the grounds that back onto our garden. For over fifty years we we have been highly entertained at this time of the year by the antics of rooks.

First, pairs come and go, inspecting the site and the surrounding neighbourhood. Can they afford the mortgage? What are the neighbours like?

Are there any good restaurants in the area – they have heard those obliging humans in the house opposite are good for a meal or two.

We notice that the penthouse suite at the very top of the tree is always occupied by experienced nest builders, while younger pairs gather round to pick up a few tips.

The real fun begins when all have chosen their sites and the estate gets under way. That chap on the next branch has a much better twig, so as soon as his back is turned his neighbour nips in and pinches it, causing a riot as every one joins in the recriminations.

This goes on for days until all nests are built – sometimes as many as ten, and it is lovely when the fledglings start visiting our garden.

Alas, not this year. We should be witnessing the activities and awakened to the sound of their cawing, but not one single nest is under way and the rooks have deserted the tree.

We notice that other rookeries in the area are strangely quiet. Could this be that their sensitivity to weather conditions have warned them that house building should wait until the Beast from the East has passed, even though so far it has merely nibbled at this part of Dorset? Or has the tree become a victim to ash die back and the rooks are aware of this?

We do hope that this not the reason , and should be grateful for the views of your kind readers and experienced bird watchers.

SUSAN GOW
Overcombe, Weymouth