I sighed as I looked at the bird and quickly ran through the lies I would tell Mum about how the bird "just died" or something. I got a plastic bag to act as a body-bag in the bin, and reached for the bird.
The rat rolled over, stood up and walked out of reach. It growled at me* and wandered into the garden.
I hate these birds. Now I have to make Polly happy. Poor dog.
*Prrrrrt!