All The Little Birds on J-Bird Street.....

Finally, feeling more like myself, I headed down early to Ayr today, to drop Tooli and her mate at the Volleyball warm up.

I drove on and filled up with diesel, and then decided a coffee would be in order to get me through the mornings sporting viewing.

Walking into the Garden Centre, I was transported to a new world. A Christmas world, filled with baubles, tinsel, and Amy Winehouse singing "I saw Mummy".... Sadly the record stuck mid-way, and we were treated to what sounded one of her stoned live performances until someone skipped to the next track. Christmas continued in a perfect vein.

I perused the lights, I perused the "build yourself a christmas village" items, I perused a stand of plastic animals which I became very tempted to buy, but resisted. I wandered over to the coffee shop, and examined the meringues which were as big as two boxers gloved melded together with fresh creme and strawberries, and also resisted.

As I wandered across to the deli, I was taken by the bird song which was playing over the top of the music. I thought of Whittaker person, who used to whistle, and wondered if they had a be-jumpered wee man, sitting out back whistling along with the music.

I stood and examined the fresh, organic fruit and veg, and though, flipping heck, they've got speakers embedded in the veg. The bird song was now over taking the christmas songs. I gazed over the display trying to see the speaker, to no avail, until suddenly, it jumped. It jumped from the pumpkins, and on to the peppers.

I peered at it so closely, it was only a foot away from my head. Yes, that little robin was actually singing along with Bing Crosby. It's little beak was tweaking back and forward and it's little vocal chords were bouncing around in it's throat.

I watched it for a moment or two, and wandered away; he had by this time jumped over on to the fresh scones, and was having a little break from entertainment.

I decided against making any purchases - I wanted the Robin for sure, but I didn't see a price tag. As i headed towards the exit, Robin jumped on to the counter in front of me, looked at me, and then headed towards the garden light display.

Then I remembered I had my camera. So I followed off after him, and here, in all his glory, is Robin. Is not Larry Legs, or Lil' Larry, but is definitely up there with him in the singing stakes!