The forests of British Columbia, Unesco says, are home to more life per square yard than anywhere else on Earth: elk, wolves, hawks, bears… Yet there was barely a bird in the trees.

As far as bird droppings go, they are part of having birds in your yard and your thistle bird feeder guarantees you'll see droppings.

The furniture appeared a little worn. An old pickup truck sat in the garage and a muddy bird dog ran about the yard.