Jackdaws

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

Jackdaws are small members of the crow family. I think they are cute. They come in a blend of shaded blacks and I find that attractive. Like all crows, they are smart too.

My first encounter with a jackdaw was as a child when a guy down the road had one as a pet. It could talk too.

Later, I read the book 'King Solomon's Ring' by Konrad Lorenz. He studied them deeply and found out much about them. They mate for life and have a well organised social structure. Interestingly, he discovered that the number 1 pair would bollock the number 2 pair but never any of the lower orders. Seemingly, you reserved your bollocking only for the next tier.

Then he moves on to an endearing story. It would seem that the no. 1 male lost his partner and picked like a no. 54 female to be his new mate. Well , she was intoxicated by her new status and went round pecking everyone in sight. Ok, revenge for previous abuse but a bitch nonetheless.

We had much grass where I worked and ponds too. Every now and again, a jackdaw flock would descend and look for food. If you watched them carefully, you could discern the pairings. If you walked outside, they would tolerate you getting close but not too close.

(And if you are thinking why was I not working, then remember, that there are times when the brain needs a break and that makes you better for later.)