I put out a new seed bell this morning, and within hours the remnants – the part that simulates the mouth of the bell – were already on the ground, surrounded by a gang of blackbird toughs. Then a squirrel bounced up nonchalantly and rolled it away. I swear I could actually see the question marks and exclamation points over the blackbirds’ heads.

Can it be much longer before this migratory menace disperses or moves on to greener pastures? The other birds would like to eat, please.

I don’t know how I didn’t think of this before. It’s the Symphony No. 2 by Finnish composer Einar Englund, subtitled “The Blackbird.” Perhaps I should put my speakers in the window and turn up the volume.

Too bad the symphony apparently takes the side of the blackbird. One critic described it as “a sarcastic statement by a rebellious soul on the brutality of Man and our distorted civilization, compared with the purity of Nature.” That’s how they roll in Finland, I guess. And I’m not about to tangle with the Swan of Tuonela.