On Wednesday morning I noticed a Jackdaw (Corvus monedula) collecting small twigs and fluffy Clematis seed heads. Later on I saw it take the nesting material to a chimney, from which another adult Jackdaw appeared. Chimneys are popular nesting sites for this bird which explains one dialectal name for it, the Chimney-sweep bird.
Taking a break from nest building.
To me Jackdaws are handsome, I like the Jackdaws sleek black and grey plumage, pale eyes and distinctive corvid appearance.
Since that sighting I have discovered some fascinating facts about Jackdaws.
– Initially they are born completely black with pale blue-grey coloured eyes. As a juvenile their iris colour initially changes to brown (during their first winter) to pale grey (once their recognisable adult black and grey colouring develops). Also as they age Jackdaw plumage can become more grey.
– Their eggs have a beautiful speckled pattern on a light blue background.
– They are social and intelligent birds. According to studies they can recognise individual people and be trained to learn tricks and skills. Their problem solving abilities are used in the wild too.
Bee in the Moment 