And then I heard, up above me, high at the top of the tree, a murmuration of starlings. It became a clutter, then a gathering, then a concentration...
You know, "fucking scary load" should have had a link, too! :)

Birds can be quite intimidating when you realise they really are directing all of that noise at *you*, can't they? I had a similar situation with a flock of jackdaws (my collective noun's just dull!) when we had to clear years worth of their nests from my chimney. Enjoy your pie!