The birds were singing only a few broken snatches, and flying around, seeking places of shelter.

One moment everything seemed devoid of life, the next there was an unexpected whir, buzz, and sharp cry.

Inside, a pandemonium of growling, spatting, snarling, and grunting broke loose.
The swale bent flat before heavy gusts of wind, and the big black chicken swept lower and lower above the swamp.

Patches of clouds gathered, shutting out the sun and making it very dark, and the next moment were swept away.

The sun poured with fierce, burning brightness, and everything was quiet.