I was walking into work early this morning when I came across two birds which, in the vernacular, were 'having a right go at each other'. Both were crows, and one was viciously attacking the other, pinning it to the ground and clawing and pecking. I've no idea what the fight was about, but it was a very determined and persistent attack. By the time I'd got the camera out, the aggressor had flown off. The victim appears to be a youngish bird (it was about the size of a jackdaw). It had a small wound in its head, and lay stunned for a minute or two. As I approached for a closer look it recovered slightly and flew low for about 100 yards before settling on a grassy mound. When I checked back later it had gone. 
Wounded crow
Later in the day I headed back over to the pond to see if any dragonflies were about… and saw this: the largest dragonfly I'm ever likely to encounter.
Wicker dragonfly
The group constructing it, Four Seasons, are a local school's community arts project who also do work with the Sussex Wildlife Trust Young Rangers. So I was right when earlier in the week I said it would be a good year for dragonflies. The placement is intended to create reflections in the pond, and I'm sure the structure will be appreciated by small birds and insects. And dragonflies! A nice surprise on a very quiet day. I'll get some better shots next week (weather permitting).
Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
annoushkiss
16 May 2009Poor crow… Looks very unhappy :awww:
It will be interesting to see the construction in the scenery. Must be great!
gdare
16 May 2009For a second it looked to me as alien queen from Aliens :eyes: :alien:
Feel kinda sorry for a crow but life is not easy…
Ukwildlife
16 May 2009great pics. I guess the attacked crow was a youngster taht was being put in its place or a loner that wandered too clsoe to a breeding pairs nest or something. The wiker dragonfly looks interesting!
Flying Red Fox Blog
16 May 2009You probably saved the Crow's life probably :yes: well done and that Wicker Dragonfly looks interesting. 😀
Words
16 May 2009Anna, yes one unhappy young crow. The 'dragonfly' is the only piece at this site, but they've been doing other works in the area.
Words
16 May 2009Darko, I have to agree it doesn't quite look like a dragonfly, but they assured me it is. And her name is 'Doris' 🙂
Words
16 May 2009Neil, there are lots of breeding pairs so the odds of the young crow being put in its place is high. Ferocious attack though!
Words
16 May 2009Mark, I did nothing for the crow (except photograph it) I'm afraid. I was surprised when it flew off, but hopefully it will be ok.
gdare
16 May 2009Doris 😆
:up:
SittingFox
17 May 2009Doris?!
I suppose crows personify the "those who live by the sword, die by the sword" kind of philosophy. By the way, I finally got my answer this week as to what would happen if a crow argued with a raven. The raven won :knight:
Words
17 May 2009I didn't name it! The raven encounter sounds interesting. I hope you got some photos of the encounter.
SittingFox
17 May 2009No, unfortunately, and I've learnt much this week about the problems of trying to photograph fast-moving birds in mountainous terrain :insane: It was a raven giving chase to a crow near a craggy precipice, where the ravens were probably nesting (I saw two ravens chasing a buzzard there too).