Fowler play

With regard to the letter “Fowl Play” [September issue], I have seen a similar scenario. I have a flock of guinea fowl, which are the best guard dogs, warning of strangers in the yard, be they human or animal.

They were making a racket one morning from a paddock close to the house. What looked like a young fox was moving towards them. As he approached, they raced towards him and circled the bemused fox. He lunged at them and caught one. Guinea fowl in mouth he ran towards the wood with the others in hot pursuit, the poor bird pecking wildly at the fox’s face.

I ran to the wood, where the other birds had stopped, still making a din. After a few minutes, I heard a peeping in the undergrowth. There was the injured guinea fowl – her pecking had made the fox let go. I couldn’t catch her so had to leave her in the brambles.

Later in the day, I saw them all walking slowly back to the buildings with the injured bird limping along with them. They seemed to be protecting her.

She was lucky to survive and is still going strong. People say to me what stupid birds they are, I disagree. They are courageous and, dare I say it, intelligent. Emma Uffindell Frome, Somerset