Willie

I love it!

great

Overall this is an evocative piece and you're right about nature having two sides. Regarding the beetles I'd have written 'not imprezsed' rather than 'not intimidated.' If they're fleeing thete's no question of them trying to intimidatd. Othetwise its a fine piece of writing.

Thanks for sharing this Willie. I know it makes no difference now but I hope your ancestor was reunited with his family

You evoke the human characters very well. You also describe the birds and the setting vividly. There are people like Dobson, and people like Arthur. A clash ending in violence is quite possible.