Blogger: Erica Howe, Communications Manager
They're a bit like Colin Firth really aren't they, crows? I'm not talking about his charming good looks, his wonderful articulation and his knee-weakening exit from the 'pond' scene in Pride and Prejudice, but the way people quickly jump to conclusions about him. Only recently did my trip to the cinema to see The Kings Speech, leave me wanting to tell everyone I know about how amazing my new best friend, Colin, was. For years, I've typecast him as a king of the romcoms, but really nothing to write home about. And then he goes and pulls out a performance like that! I didn't see it coming.
I know what you're thinking, what on earth do crows have in common with Colin Firth? Well, let's face it, rooks, crows, ravens, probably the entire suite of corvids, aren't exactly given an easy time of it. Historically they've been associated with bad luck, death, darkness, all kinds of doom and gloom. Not exactly the best start in the world! But recently, I've started to make an effort with these supposed 'outcasts'.
It all came about when I tried to work out a fail safe way of distinguishing one species from another. Walking into work, I might see a black something dart above my head, seemingly the swoop of a black cloak. But no, I've learnt that rooks have this unique feathering at the top of their legs, making them look like they're wearing a pair of baggy jeans! They're also smaller than crows and often seen in large numbers, especially on a sunny winter's day. A gathering of rooks on a late autumnal evening is truly a sight to behold. You'll turn the corner to see thousands of them perched on overhead wires, chattering so loudly you think you've just stumbled into a nightclub. As your eyes slowly follow the chaotic movements of the birds, you can't help but mistake the ground-swell of rooks as a messy oil spill. The iridescent coat of thousands of slick, squawking birds is mesmerising.
Crows on the other hand are actually considered to be among the most intelligent animals in the world. You will often see crows alone, moving and flying a lot slower than the rook. It is believed that crows have the ability to distinguish one human from another and will use any tools at their disposal to grab a good meal. Their seemingly hardy attitude and ability to adapt to any new urban environment we throw at them is remarkable and still they remain an integral, yet often overlooked, part of our natural environment.
Now, when I see a crow or a rook, I always take a second to watch it. Perhaps even admire it. After all, Colin would be most upset to know how much i'd initially undervalued him!
Article found in Eastern Daily Press on 13 Feb 2011