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Hello there
I went up to inverness this weekend, and I really enjoyed myself. Although I was technically tied to my friends wedding (time wise), Dave and I managed to squeeze in some bird watching, and we managed to see quite a few interesting birds.
For interest, I thought I would post pictures this very handsome bird on this thread alone. He was eating tiny little prawns from under stones by the waters edge (River Ness in the town centre) The tide had dropped and exposed an array of food for the local birds. The hooded crow was so delicate with his bill as he foraged, and was not unduly worried how close you got to him {smile}
So all in all:
1, I have never seen a Hooded Crow close up and Personal
2. I thought he is very handsome and looks very different to other crows with his black bib and grey colouring.
Has anyone been lucky to see one at all?
How common are these birds now? Are they only based in certain areas of Scotland?
Love to hear other peoples thoughts. Enjoy the pictures!
Wow! Great shots, each time I get this close (no camera!!!) I fail. They are brilliant and reasonably common up in the north, but down here (if you can call Perth down here) they are much more rare!
Cracking shots again, I want one!!! :-( ..... :-0 :-)
John
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
and another selection of pictres of the same Hooded Crow
COOL! This last one is my FAV. No need to ask I can see you had a good time up there!
Hi John
Yes, I had a great time John - thank you. i have some more birds to show you. Just need to get myself sorted out here with all the photos.
Thank you for your kind comments. I wondered about Hooded Crows disturbution in Scotland. In my much 'older' RSPB ID book it stated that they are only really seen in Inverness, and further up north so that seen to speak volumes about them.
Luckily I think this bird was used to people, and he was so photogenic too! I am sure some birding people would like to have a Hooded Crow on their tick list any day.
I will let him know that he has to visit you in Perth too - will talk to him in the picture!
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Unknown said: Wow! Great shots, each time I get this close (no camera!!!) I fail. They are brilliant and reasonably common up in the north, but down here (if you can call Perth down here) they are much more rare! Cracking shots again, I want one!!! :-( ..... :-0 :-) John
Wow! I love 'hoodies' (as they are affectionately known in some areas). Seen lots if them on Skye! Great pics Blackbird!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Thank you MarJus for your kind comments,
I was surprised to see a 'Hoodie' so close to the centre of Inverness. Yes, the 'Hoodies' seem to like the upper end of Scotland.
At first i thought I saw seeing a Jackdaw, and then realised the bird was far too big in stature.
Made my day!!! {big smile}
Hi Blackbird,
Lovely photos and many thanks for sharing them with us.
We love Hoodies as well and always make a point in looking out for them when we go up to Scotland to add to our tick list
Yours in the photo really looks quiet tame or really hungry because all the ones we have seen are usually cautious of people and not normally tame enough to get close to
Being Happy doesn't mean everythings perfect........
It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections.....
Great pics - thanks for sharing. I've never seen one of these before and would probably have assumed it was a mutant jackdaw! Looks like I need to a visit north of the border to see all these lovely birds.
There is something new to learn everyday...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skylark58/
Hi Robyn and SB
Thank you once more for your kind comments.
Yes, i have to say they are now my favourite members of the crow family.
Like the pictures.
Glad you enjoyed Inverness, we were there a few weeks back for a couple of nights and thought it was a great place to stay (As I said before it has gone on the 'must go back to' list of places).
We didn't see any Hooded Crows in Inverness but did manage to see them in Kyle of Lochalsh, not close enough to get any pictures, we also got some good views of Black Guillemots, so that was a couple of new birds for us.
Brought back a rather nice single malt so we can have a wee dram of this and remember a fantastic rail journey through the Scottish highlands to the Kyle of Lochalsh, a trip I would recommend to anybody.
"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag" Mary Poppins