An English-speaking kingfisher has been blamed for eating every fish in a Gwynedd lake after claiming he could not understand a sign reading “DIM PYSGOTA”.
The bird, who moved to the area from Surrey in April, said he had assumed the words were the name of the lake.
“Lovely spot,” he said. “Excellent fishing and a convenient perch. We couldn’t understand why nobody else was using it.”
Lake warden Dewi Griffiths confirmed that the sign meant “No Fishing” and had been directly beneath the bird’s feet throughout.
“We did ask him to stop,” he explained. “He said he didn’t want to get involved in the language debate and swallowed another trout.”
“He’s eaten the bloody lot.”
A local resident who wished to remain anonymous said the situation had become ridiculous.
Elwyn Jones, 71, added: “He’s eaten the bloody lot and now he’s objecting to an otter moving in because it’ll spoil the character of the area.”
The suspect, pictured using the sign as a diving platform.
Officials have since installed an English translation.
The kingfisher welcomed the improvement but said the wording still did not apply to him.
“I’m not fishing,” he explained. “I’m having breakfast.”
Asked what he intended to eat now the lake was empty, he said he expected the council to sort something out.
