Stuck Together

For the second time in our wood burning stove experience, we've had a bird stuck in the stove.  Last time it flew out shortly after a fire had actually been lit (and doused out due to the smoking caused by a cold chimney).  This time, however, we heard it squawking and scrabbling all afternoon, but it point blank refused to come out when we opened the door.  After fearing it was stuck and therefore basically taking the stove apart, we discovered not just one very black, very sooty Starling, but two.  Though not very clear from the photo below, this is them hiding in the flue - resolutely facing away from us with their heads hidden up the pipe.

If we can't see them then they can't see us!

After over an hour of coaxing, dismantling, prodding and tempting (on a night we'd planned to go to bed early), one Starling finally flew out, and what. a. mess.  Knowing this was going to happen after our first psyco sooty bird experience last winter, we had towels and bags at the ready, but it was just too quick - and also, there's something scary about birds flying at you!  After ten minutes of seeing it leave sooty wing prints all over the walls, pictures, lamp shades, blinds, sofa and units, we finally caught it.  After another half hour, the second one was also out, some what exhausted, but free.

It doesn't look like much, but it's everywhere

There's nothing for it now but to keep that chimney hot!