Wednesday, 19 August 2015

Wild Bird Wednesday 160 - Jackdaw

While I was watching the sea birds at Bempton Cliffs I was visited by this rather inquisitive Jackdaw.    I rather like these images - the first has my 'trademark' out of focus vegetation and in the second I really like the position of the flowers and the look in the birds eye.

Jackdaws are the UK's smallest crow - and given that almost all black birds (except the Blackbird!) are called crows by non-birders this is a bird that is often overlooked by the general public.  The birds name is at least in part an onomatopoeic rendering of its classic 'chak - chak' call.   Its formal name Corvus monedula  places it in the same genus as many of the 'classic' crows.

These birds were common near where I lived as a kid - and also seemed to like living on or in the towers of the classically square church towers that are found in Somerset.



These may not be the find of bird that people travel very far to see, but I still think that says more about birders than it does this bird!

Now it's over to you to join in with WBW.  Click the blue button and off you go!  Also, if you happen to be involved in any social media sites - Facebook and the like - why not share this page (and future WBWs) to get more people involved.  Cheers - SM
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44 comments:

  1. Rohrerbot19 August 2015 at 03:06

    I really like this bird and I think it's a favorite of mine that I hope to spy one day. I just think black birds in general are pretty cool. It looks like it has a touch of gray for distinction:) Hope you're having a good week!

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  2. Silver Parrot19 August 2015 at 03:07

    Wonderful photos as always! Especially like the composition in the second one - it's like this bird is personally bringing the viewer a bouquet of flowers.

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  3. Brian King19 August 2015 at 03:23

    Love these guys! Haven't seen anyone post photos of them in a long time. Even their name is cool!

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  4. Kenneth Cole Schneider19 August 2015 at 03:23

    That is quite a sharp look in its eye. I especially like the second with the flowers.

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  5. Hootin Anni19 August 2015 at 03:51

    Those eyes!! Wow. Bewitching. And the one image of the Jackdaw and the white daisy like blossoms is picture post card perfect.

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  6. eileeninmd19 August 2015 at 04:02

    Hello Phil, your Jackdaw images are great. I do love the eyes on this bird, they have a sharp look to them! Thanks for hosting, have a happy week!

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  7. Sylvia K19 August 2015 at 04:24

    Ah, bewitching bird and beautiful eyes indeed!! Superb captures, as always!! Have a great week, Stewart! Enjoy!!

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  8. Yamini MacLean19 August 2015 at 04:51

    Hari OM
    By sheer and glorious coincidence, I too have posted jackdaws today! They pair up for life and when one sees a jackdaw alone, there is sense of sadness... I love them. But then, I'm just an auld sook... &*> YAM xx

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  9. Jo19 August 2015 at 05:10

    Oh wow, what a handsome bird, Stewart. I also love the second image with the cocky look in that bird's eye. Thanks for hosting. I'll link my post to your meme tomorrow (Wednesday) Have a great day. Jo

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  10. Linda W.19 August 2015 at 05:51

    I like the expression you've captured in both photos. Looks like the bird is giving you the "evil eye." :)

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  11. Margaret Birding For Pleasure19 August 2015 at 05:51

    yes I aggree, a lot of birders over look this bird but I like watching it. I do not over look any bird. All are lovely in their own way.

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  12. Christina19 August 2015 at 06:10

    I love the jackdaws! I see them all the time. I wish you a good week!

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  13. Author R. Mac Wheeler19 August 2015 at 07:29

    I like 'em. I get that outoffocus thing going a lot too. I blame it on not using my reading glasses when I'm shooting. (Maybe I should)

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  14. Adam Tilt19 August 2015 at 07:51

    Nice shots Stewart. Jackdaws are one of the reasons my garden feeders get emptied so quickly.

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  15. mick19 August 2015 at 07:54

    Great photos - especially the 2nd one. The bird look very inquisitive and quite ready for mischief I would think!

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  16. Pat Ulrich19 August 2015 at 08:15

    Lovely shots, Stewart! I really like the composition with the flowers!

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  17. GreenComotion19 August 2015 at 08:20

    Stewart,
    Thanks for the presentation of the beautiful Jackdaw and the lovely lesson in Ornithology.
    I like the blend of black and grey on the head.
    I did not know that there were so many varieties of crows - I should have know better, no? :)
    Thank you for hosting Wild Bird Wednesdays.
    Have a Great Week!
    Peace :)

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  18. Maude Lynn19 August 2015 at 08:22

    They have such gorgeous eyes!

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  19. TexWisGirl19 August 2015 at 10:14

    very sharp looking birds!

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  20. Spare Parts and Pics19 August 2015 at 12:10

    Agree with you, Stewart. The out-of-focus plants in the first shot make it really great, and I really like the flowers and overall composition in the second shot!

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  21. amanda19 August 2015 at 13:35

    Really fantastic shots, Stewart! They have a very fine-art look to them!

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  22. Anonymous19 August 2015 at 13:50

    I like how it appears to have gray feathers on the back of the head.

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  23. diane b19 August 2015 at 15:01

    I don't know much about birds but am crazy about photography and I like your 'trademark' style.

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  24. DeniseinVA19 August 2015 at 15:31

    Two great shots of the Jackdaw. Love your trademark too Stewart.

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  25. Lee19 August 2015 at 16:57

    Such clear blue eyes they have...lovely birds. :)

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  26. Beate19 August 2015 at 17:47

    These shots are amazing. Such beautiful birds!
    And thank you for the information. I had no idea!

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  27. Unknown19 August 2015 at 18:53

    Hi Stew, yep I love them too, here's one from Cornwall a few years ago. they come in my garden here in the UK!!

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  28. Unknown19 August 2015 at 19:03

    They're great birds, I like them.

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  29. Gayle19 August 2015 at 21:49

    Handsome Bird
    I sometimes think I only have 'common' birds to capture and then I ask myself 'says who?'.
    I also like when we share about the photography side of gathering what we share.
    Thanks for this link-up.

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  30. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes20 August 2015 at 00:15

    Fantastic shots! The eyes are so intense!

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  31. Sallie (FullTime-Life)20 August 2015 at 01:04

    He's Very cute ... I like your trademark" background, always have, but the little jackdaw is also very sweet posed by the daisies.

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  32. A Colorful World20 August 2015 at 01:45

    Really great shots, Stewart! I love this "different" look.

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  33. This N That20 August 2015 at 02:57

    Evil looking eye and a furrowed brow..Great trademark too

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  34. jp@A Green Ridge20 August 2015 at 08:54

    What a handsome bird, Stewart!!!...:)JP

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  35. Linda20 August 2015 at 14:27

    Nice pictures of the jackdaw. I'll bet he doesn't know his name is onomatopoeic.

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  36. My Mind's Eye20 August 2015 at 21:07

    Hi Stewart
    What a great photo of a Jackdaw. So they are crows....we have a ton of crows here in the Southern USA too. As far as I know they are just called crows. I must investigate..to see if they have a fancier name. Jackdaw is a great name.

    Madi and I thank you for stopping by our blog.
    Hugs to you and your kitties
    Madi and mom

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  37. Anonymous20 August 2015 at 22:10

    Wonderful shots - what a beady eye he has!

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  38. Wally Jones21 August 2015 at 00:48

    I can be very happy observing crows for long periods. They're very clever and seem to always do something unexpected. I like the framing of your shot with the flowers and sky. Very nice, Stewart!

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  39. Andrea @ From The Sol21 August 2015 at 04:22

    OMG, I started to comment on your Jackdaws and got interrupted and here I am two days later realizing I never finished it. Well, what I was saying, as I recall, was that all of the crow family are wonderful to watch and follow. They are smart and humorous and I think your Jackdaw with his graying temples is even a bit sophisticated. Your pictures are wonderful, Stewart and I am so glad to be back (sort of ... still fighting a few issues)in the fold. Hope all is well with you.

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  40. CountryMouse21 August 2015 at 15:14

    Interesting, I just thought a crow was a crow. It is a pretty looking fellow though with that light eye. The crow I know of is big with black/dark eyes.

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  41. Adam Jones21 August 2015 at 22:53

    They're my favourite corvid Stewart. So inquisitive and smart. Plus, very good looking and photogenic to boot.

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  42. Linda22 August 2015 at 05:10

    The eyes really do stand out in both photos, and I like the second photo with the flowers ... chamomile or feverfew?

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  43. A Colorful World31 August 2015 at 01:37

    Stewart, thank you so much for your suggestion about your book reviews! I just went to those Pages and read every one, and I left a comment!

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  44. Liz31 August 2015 at 17:19

    Fabulous images Stewart! I particularly like the second!

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