Crows Chasing Birds of Prey. (1 Viewer)

Myself and a friend, only 2 days ago watched 1 Carrion Crow attack a female Sparrowhawk, she easily out manoeuvred it, diving and swerving out of its way. The Crow was then joined by another, the Sparrowhawk then changed tactics, turning on her side slashing out with her talons, really aggressively, this was over the local park, were both species breed, therefore both birds territory's. The Sparrowhawk was at first just circulating, obviously looking for a kill, the Crows just did not appreciate her presence and this is outside the breeding season. Personally i just think they see the hawk has a threat no matter what time of the year.

Damian

crows chasing hawks

They will also chase great horned and barn owls, in my area. Another interesting phenomenon is listening, as they locate wild turkeys, which are plentiful around my farm.

The rooks are starting to nest here, they are spending quite a lot of time around the rookery during the day sorting out their pecking order.

Watching them this lunchtime a heron flew past, just a bit too close for the rooks, three or four of which quickly flew out to mob the heron who didn't pay the slightest bit of notice and with one lazy flap of it's wings stretched himself beyond the comfort distance of the rooks which just as quickly returned to their tree tops.

A little further along the river I watched a buzzard land on the plough only to be quickly shooed along by an aggressive lapwing (green plover), early signs of Spring here.

In the UK, Crows are jealous of birds that are able to master using thermals to gain height. I often observe crows harassing Buzzards when the buzzard is circling in a thermal. When the Buzzard gains altitude the crows break off from their attack. I have also flown hangliders in the UK peak district (MAM TOR site) and have been harassed by crows at lower altitudes until thermal height is gained.