I came across this somewhat gruesome scene on Friday. I've seen crows pecking at carrion before (usually rabbits), but this was the first time I'd seen one with what looks like a very young chick. I stayed well back, not to disturb it. The crow consumed some of the chick itself before carefully gathering the dismembered parts in its beak and flying off, possibly to feed its own young. The shots aren't pretty, but they are a small insight to the harsh ways of nature.
And for those who prefer the gentler side of bird life, I've been keeping an eye on the latest clutch of herring gull chicks.
Finally, a young jackdaw. One of its feet was caught in some twigs (and possibly some string). Young animals do not have it easy. The jackdaw flew off after a few minutes. Hopefully it will be able to shake off the shackle.
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 40D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
debplatt
20 Jun 2010It looks like the Jackdaw's leg has swollen up beneath the tangle. Things aren't looking good for it. 🙁
I have been paying more attention to birds in my own backyard. This spring I've seen a Common grackle with a broken wing. I've seen another without a tail (there's still much debate in my family whether this is a mutation or the result of trauma). I've seen one cardinal with no feathers on its head.
Owls have been coughing up pellets on my roof and deck. :yuck: The ones on the deck had quite a bit of bird seed in it. I guess that's one way my backyard bird feeder is feeding the birds. :eyes:
gdare
20 Jun 2010At least crow killed that chick to feed itself and young; it is their way of life. What people do sometimes is beyond sanity :irked:
http://www.ekcupchai.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Seal-Slaughter.jpg
SittingFox
20 Jun 2010Originally posted by gdare:
I hear you on that 🙁
Yes, that jackdaw's foot doesn't look too good. Hopefully the swelling will go down if it's able to untangle itself.
Dudley
20 Jun 2010Great captures.
The morality rate for the young is incredible.
Words
21 Jun 2010Deb, birds have an incredibly tough time. The jackdaw's foot is swollen. With luck it will clear the debris and be ok. There are so many hazards (to say nothing of predators). I've seen several jackdaws caught in netting recently (I managed to get the netting removed after the third fatality in a week). The bald bird is fairly common. We see it quite often on blackbirds.
Words
21 Jun 2010Adele, with luck the jackdaw will be ok. I did check back a short while after I took those shots and it had flown off.
Words
21 Jun 2010Andy, it's a rough world out there, for sure.
Words
21 Jun 2010Darko, absolutely right. The crow is simply being a crow.
cakkleberrylane
21 Jun 2010Definately a tough place. I hope he gets rid of that mess.
Words
22 Jun 2010Lois, I'm keeping my eyes open for the jackdaw. It's from a small group just outside my office.
filipinaballerina
22 Jun 2010i'm very curious what chick the crow has got. it's quite large!!
Words
22 Jun 2010Maybe a very young pigeon, but I'm not very good at identifying birds in that condition 😉