Pat and Ina

I have often wondered if this sculpture in the water gardens of Hemel Hempstead has acquired a patina from age and weathering, a verdigris finish from the corrosion of the metal, or just a smattering of guano..

Now I know.

The small island of autumnally coloured shrubs forming the backdrop, are Hemel's answer to the Somerset Levels. There were vast numbers of chattering starlings congregating, yet on landing none were visible. Unfortunately I didn't have time to stop and see if there was a murmuration at dusk.