A raptor made a visit when we were not at home. Sylvia (the blind hen), the tiny brown without a name, another brown one, and our very fine rooster, are now sadly gone. (Almost exactly
a year ago we had the same kind of unwanted guest visiting.)
....
From now on, the rest of the flock must stay in the coop while we are at work. At least until spring comes and they can stroll freely again.
....
Some days earlier I followed the larger bantam hen (who is one of the four remaining) down to the lake, where she, for some time, had taken a daily walk (or run, in the shelter of bushes and rocks).
I saw her snuck in under the dinghy, and when I lifted the boat up a little bit, I found the eggs.
....