As I read about the government deciding to tweak the new Equality Act 2010 and remove the unworkable bit on bullying and harassment by third-party, I made a note that we needed to update Righttrack’s equality and diversity training materials.
As I studied the changes to the act, I couldn’t help but notice there was a bit of bullying going on in my garden. A larger goldfinch was challenging a smaller one over who should have the top perch on the niger feeder – a bit silly really as five other perfectly good perches were all vacant. The smaller bird soon lost his position on the coveted perch and the bigger bird plumped herself up as she proudly took possession of it. As I read and watched, they continued to spar but the bigger bird always managed to retain possession of the perch; the smaller one retreating a short distance to a different perch. The bigger bird was challenged many times until suddenly and without warning, the smaller one flew off and disappeared into the heart of a nearby tree; he had lost and given up – or so I thought.
I missed the next few seconds but my attention was pulled back to the scene by the sound of a much louder scuffle that had broken out. As I reappraised the situation I could see a sparrowhawk standing on the lawn with a large goldfinch firmly grasped in her talon. Just visible, high in the eucalyptus tree, I could see the smaller goldfinch that I had been watching earlier. The sparrowhawk flew off with her prize, and when I looked out 10 minutes later the smaller goldfinch had taken up residence on the perch again, continuing to feed as though nothing had happened.
Tough justice maybe, but a reminder none the less, no matter how big a bully you think you are, there’s always someone who is bigger.
By John Freshney| Righttrack’s Operations Manager