Even fewer signs of the Apocalypse

It seems that recent scattered showers have been due to avian sponging. It is well known to me that many of the feathery tribe (particularly Turdus migratorius and Bombycilla cedrorum) are notorious sots.

Their common device is to wait until the fruits of trees, for instance of the genus Sorba, are well fermented. Apples will also do. (Top alcholic content is achieved just around this time of winter, in fact.) Then the sozzlers descend in clouds and get on with berry-bibbing. Sometimes, if you're lucky, they will drop off the branches, infused with a delicate hint of wassail.