The Toad - All the c**p that's unfit to print

Nest prices fell dramatically yesterday as well-meaning humans flooded the nation's bird nesting market with cheap bird boxes, devaluing existing nests and causing established nest builders to see the value of their hard-built investments worth literally 'less than the twigs they are made of.'

"I haven't spent the best part of my life trading up the property ladder for me to stop right here," said A. Robin yesterday, "we were hoping to trade up to a two-bedroomed nest somewhere in the oak. I've had my old nest on the market for over six months and no-one's even been round to look at it, let alone make a sensible offer."

But lower nest prices may not be the only consequence of cheap and readily obtainable bird-boxes.

"Although this is definitely good news for the first time builder," explained an avian sociologist yesterday, "there are still downsides. The overabundance of nesting sites has led to a relaxing of traditional territorial displays, which has led to a decline in the strict moral code by which birds conduct themselves. Young males with time on their hands have been causing mayhem at the bird bath. And the hens! They're worst of all."

But it's not all bad news. For the millions of birds who find bird boxes unsuitable, nest prices have continued to rise, with an end-of-eves housemartin's pad fetching at least 20,000 aphids.

"The mud-built nest market is booming at present," said an industry spokesman, "but as always it's the location that counts for everything. High up and South-facing go for the most, but even a derelict nest in the countryside for use as a second nest can still fetch a good price - as long as it has planning consent and there are no cats about."

Josh Hatchett, reporting for The Toad.

Today's Toad Toad Archive Fforde Website

Next Article Previous Article The Daily Toad: Proudly disseminating sensationalised rubbish since 1645. 7th March 2008.
NEST PRICES PLUNGE AS CHEAP BIRD BOXES FLOOD MARKET
One of the low-cost nests that are destabilising the avian property market House martin nests still hold value, eggs	Nest prices fell dramatically yesterday as well-meaning humans flooded the nation's bird nesting market with cheap bird boxes, devaluing existing nests and causing established nest builders to see the value of their hard-built investments worth literally 'less than the twigs they are made of.' "I haven't spent the best part of my life trading up the property ladder for me to stop right here," said A. Robin yesterday, "we were hoping to trade up to a two-bedroomed nest somewhere in the oak. I've had my old nest on the market for over six months and no-one's even been round to look at it, let alone make a sensible offer." But lower nest prices may not be the only consequence of cheap and readily obtainable bird-boxes. "Although this is definitely good news for the first time builder," explained an avian sociologist yesterday, "there are still downsides. The overabundance of nesting sites has led to a relaxing of traditional territorial displays, which has led to a decline in the strict moral code by which birds conduct themselves. Young males with time on their hands have been causing mayhem at the bird bath. And the hens! They're worst of all." But it's not all bad news. For the millions of birds who find bird boxes unsuitable, nest prices have continued to rise, with an end-of-eves housemartin's pad fetching at least 20,000 aphids. "The mud-built nest market is booming at present," said an industry spokesman, "but as always it's the location that counts for everything. High up and South-facing go for the most, but even a derelict nest in the countryside for use as a second nest can still fetch a good price - as long as it has planning consent and there are no cats about." Josh Hatchett, reporting for The Toad.
Also inside your Toad: Disaffected pigeon youth wear rings 'on left ankle' Young homing pigeons have scandalized lofts by wearing rings on their left ankle, ruffling a few feathers amongst the traditionally conservative pigeon community. 'What will be next?' asked a pigeon leader yesterday, 'satnav?' Speeding Swift was 'showing off', court hears. A Swift who was clocked at nearly 100MPH in a 30MPH 'fledglings only' zone fails to convince the judge it was all 'youthful exuberance', and is docked eight penalty points Coot dies in pond landing mishap Mallard tells of air brake power 'diminished' after experiencing foot cramp on short finals. Apologizes to family of deceased, undergoes flight proficiency test

Today's Toad Toad Archive Fforde Website
More Toad