I will guess Cauldron, but can’t marry it to clue?

Yes twyngwyn.

Apparently, the biting bird presents a dangerous situation.

(8 letters)

Apparently - I hear (sounds like)

The biting - cold

bird - wren

presents a dangerous situation - Cauldron (sounds like cold wren).

Cauldron

Cauldron can be used figuratively to describe a situation that is dangerous, unstable, or volatile.

Collins Dictionary

Note: Both the UK and US pronunciations sound the end of the word as "ren" not "ron".

dog second rate scratch (5)

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@twyngwyn wrote:

dog second rate scratch (5)

 

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You will have to s p a c e the answer 

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@twyngwyn wrote:

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@twyngwyn wrote:

dog second rate scratch (5)

 

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You will have to s p a c e the answer. If you don't you will be bleeped

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all yours, countess

Whitewash...