RICHARD
05-19-2010, 11:33 PM
Blue tits set up home in ashtray
A pair of blue tits caused a flap between students and office workers after setting up home in an ashtray.
When cigarette butts started appearing on the floor beneath the wall mounted ashtray, art students from nearby University halls of residence got the blame.
Office manager Maria Plumb, of the Norwich based Norfolk Carers Help-line, even went to the University of East Anglia halls to complain.
But when it kept happening a closer inspection also revealed moss, feathers and bird droppings on the floor beneath the box.
And when Ms Plumb peeked inside for a look she was met by two pairs of beady eyes staring back.
A family of blue tits had been removing the butts to create a comfy nest to hatch their eggs.
Staff immediately put up a sign to warn smokers not to use the ashtray.
The tits have now been dubbed Benson and Hedges by staff who watch their daily comings and goings as they search for food.
Maria explained: "When the piles of butts kept appearing it was always over the weekends so I knew it wasn't the staff here making a mess.
"I went to the halls and complained because I have to admit I assumed it must be the art students. Now I must apologise as the mystery has been solved."
http://web.orange.co.uk/images/ice/quirkies/blue_tits_ashtray_home_jeremy_durkinrex.jpg
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Show some restraint and enjoy the story....
No,
Hands off the keyboard!
Yes, YOU!!!!!!:confused::eek:
A pair of blue tits caused a flap between students and office workers after setting up home in an ashtray.
When cigarette butts started appearing on the floor beneath the wall mounted ashtray, art students from nearby University halls of residence got the blame.
Office manager Maria Plumb, of the Norwich based Norfolk Carers Help-line, even went to the University of East Anglia halls to complain.
But when it kept happening a closer inspection also revealed moss, feathers and bird droppings on the floor beneath the box.
And when Ms Plumb peeked inside for a look she was met by two pairs of beady eyes staring back.
A family of blue tits had been removing the butts to create a comfy nest to hatch their eggs.
Staff immediately put up a sign to warn smokers not to use the ashtray.
The tits have now been dubbed Benson and Hedges by staff who watch their daily comings and goings as they search for food.
Maria explained: "When the piles of butts kept appearing it was always over the weekends so I knew it wasn't the staff here making a mess.
"I went to the halls and complained because I have to admit I assumed it must be the art students. Now I must apologise as the mystery has been solved."
http://web.orange.co.uk/images/ice/quirkies/blue_tits_ashtray_home_jeremy_durkinrex.jpg
----------
Show some restraint and enjoy the story....
No,
Hands off the keyboard!
Yes, YOU!!!!!!:confused::eek: