The Beast in the Chimney

We've heard some odd chittering noises in the chimney recently. The dogs have been very interested, which has lead to even more indoor marking during a time when I've been working hard to bring that problem under control. Nothing crazy fell out of the flue when I carefully opened it, and nothing was visible from careful, mirror-reflected light from below.

I proceeded to burn some incense in the fireplace with the flue open, and a few hours later, the chittering had stopped.

Clambering up top, I discovered that the hardware cloth cover had been pried open. The flashlight I brought up was totally inadequate to the task of illuminating the entire chimney, but I *was* able to use the mirror to reflect afternoon sun into the hole.

I have to admit, I felt like Batman.
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