The fields and woods were buzzing with the latest topic, namely who to vote for? All present were unified in their opinion that whatever the colour, the party hopefuls were lying through their back teeth in promising their version of the earth.
"I should stand for election and steal lots of votes" joked the Thieving Magpie.
"I'm not against immigration, I have a brood to feed" said the Sparrowhawk as she chased a passing Yellow Wagtail.
The Wise Old Owl awoke from his snooze and when begged for his opinion on whether to vote or not replied in the affirmative. "One should vote for the party colour that best represents your personal interests. In my humble opinion this narrows it down to the Reds & Blues"
"Reds! gotta be Reds" the Robin interjected. "You must be joking" was the retort of the Green Woodpecker, laughing continuously. "I am of the Blue persuasion" uttered the Kingfisher from his brookside perch.
A murder of Crows restored order and asked the Owl to continue. "Not to vote is irresponsible" was the due response. "However, I urge you to disregard the pie in the sky offers about planting millions of acorns, or importing hundreds of thousands of rodents, or sewing tons of nyjer and barley. Vote for the colour that you think will CAUSE THE LEAST HARM to all us avians!"
The crowd, now maxed out, chorused "Hear!, Hear!"
The final line came from the vicar, a Ring Ouzel, resplendent in his white collar, solemnly declaring "and may the lord help us all"
