Edgar and the Mice

We have had to start setting mouse traps.  Wintertime always sees a population boom.  I wouldn't mind as I actually like mice but they do tunnel into the aviaries making nice snake sized holes for nice snakes to come in and feast on nice budgerigars.  Yesterday we had 3 mice in two traps.  Think our mouse population is healthy.  Anyway, thought these freshly dead mice would make a nice meal for Edgar.  And oh, he was excited by the prospect of Mouse Tartare! 

Oh, he crunched those little mouse skulls.  He pulled at their little mouse feet.  He carried them here.  He carried them there.  He turned them over and turned them back again.  He picked them up and put them down.  He flew them into the trees and flew them back down again.  He checked to see if they would fit between two rocks.  He checked to see if they fit in the rubber matting (they did).  He held them proudly in his beak while turning to look beguilingly over his shoulder at me.

He did everything but eat them.

Finally, bored, he stuffed them back into the rocks and came over to see what other tidbits I had for him to eat. 

While waiting for me to unwrap the meat he snapped ferociously at a gnat.  It was so small I don't know if he killed it or not.

After he'd eaten I gathered the moist rumpled bodies of the mice and carried them into the paddock.  Another game!  Edgar came too.  I put the mice down and left.  He can stuff them into mouse-sized holes away from the house because if I don't find where he puts them (if he puts them near the house) they are going to stink in a few days.

Another morning, another mouse.  I called him and gave him the mouse in the paddock. 

He's also getting a small dog bone two or 3 times a week.  More excitement.  He pins it down with his toenails and pulls the meat with his beak.  He does it very well.  No doubt after having much practice on the clothes pegs.  Am now drying the clothes on the verandah.  Thank you, Edgar.