My Turn, Clear off!

Caught this rook on the feeder which it dominated, seeing off the zillions of blue tits, great tits and chaffinches in the gorgeous sunshine. I got just a couple of shots before an army of birdwatchers came clanking in. I nearly cleared off, never mind the rook.

Rooks are among the most sociable of birds and live in their flock all year round giving rise to stories of 'rook parliaments'. They nest in colonies in tree tops making a hoarse cawing sound which today seemed to echo around making the whole scene quite atmospheric . Usually, these are near buildings, even in cities and although they feed in flocks they do have a strong sense of territory with pairs defending the area round their nest which 'looks like a witches broom' using the same one each year with a 'make do and repair' scenario - sometimes pinching other birds nesting material! I can imagine living near them might be a bit of a trial but to stare up into the rookery on a winter's morning like today was just magic!

In the autumn they do spectacular aerial displays tumbling, twisting and diving in the air which is quite spectacular to watch!

They are sometimes a symbol of the future, a dark prediction and as such have been mentioned in literature over the years - Sylvia Plath's 'Winter landscape with Rooks' being one.

Check out the Hide in his eye - spotted by BikerBear!