Nature observation

Johnny39 · Post by **Johnny39** » Fri 15 Nov, 2013 4:42 pm

I know this is not Leeds related but I do know many of our subscribers are interested in nature and, threads are a bit thin on the ground regarding Leeds at the moment so I thought I would relate my nature observation. I've often seen birds of prey being mobbed by other birds but this afternoon while stood on the doorstep I heard a heck of a commotion, looking up I spotted a heron surrounded by rooks being given a right ragging. I would be interested to know if anyone has seen a similar attack on such a big bird as a heron by other birds. Once again my apologise for it not being a Leeds related story but as I said earlier I do know we do have our fair-share of nature lovers on here. If I'm out of order please feel free to delete me with no hard feelings.

raveydavey · Post by **raveydavey** » Fri 15 Nov, 2013 7:56 pm

Rooks can be incredibly aggressive when it comes to defending their patch or seeing off predators. Certainly I've seen them ganging up on Red Kites on several occasions, and I'm fairly sure it's been mentioned on here a while back too.They'll also try to see off us humans too if we get too close. I can distinctly remember me and a mate being repeatedly flown at when we walked near a tree they were nesting in!

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Fri 15 Nov, 2013 9:03 pm

raveydavey wrote: Rooks can be incredibly aggressive when it comes to defending their patch or seeing off predators. Certainly I've seen them ganging up on Red Kites on several occasions, and I'm fairly sure it's been mentioned on here a while back too.They'll also try to see off us humans too if we get too close. I can distinctly remember me and a mate being repeatedly flown at when we walked near a tree they were nesting in! I've seen rooks locally in North Leeds warning off Red Kites (in the sky) and magpies (usually on the ground). Magpies also don't seem happy of most other magpies! Oddly rooks don't seem to mind (yet!) the dove type birds whose numbers have risen in recent years.

raveydavey · Post by **raveydavey** » Fri 15 Nov, 2013 10:28 pm

At the opposite end of the scale (size wise) is the Robin.Males will fight to the death in territorial disputes, despite their cutesie image.

Jogon · Post by **Jogon** » Fri 15 Nov, 2013 11:56 pm

raveydavey wrote: At the opposite end of the scale (size wise) is the Robin.Males will fight to the death in territorial disputes, despite their cutesie image. And their sad, sweet melancholy song in dark winter mornings...Warms me cockles