Thrushling tests the edges of its hedge-world

Wenlock Edge, Shropshire The more it tries to blend in, the more noticeable it becomes. The bird looks as if it's made from hedge

The thrush in the hedge is only a nipper. It's supposed to remain concealed, but every now and then it whirrs across the lane to the hedge opposite. There it perches in a thicket of twigs and briars, feigning invisibility, like a child hiding behind coats hung on the back of a door.

There may be trouble. Two adult thrushes are flying up and down the lane. It could be the parent birds getting frisky or else one parent seeing off a rival. They are flying literally at breakneck speed; one false move and either of them could be fatally injured. Spring is drunk on daring.