It only takes one crow to make a mob

They just can’t help it. If Hooded Crows see a raptor they’ll chase it, harry it, mob it and otherwise make its life as unpleasant as possible.

Hooded Crow - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

This week I’ve seen seven of them chasing a Common Buzzard which was harassed the whole time as it flew over their territory and a full nine of them flapping around a Sparrowhawk as it swooped into a nearby pine, making all the Monk Parakeets and Starlings leave it in a flap. One evening three hundred Hooded Crows came to this spot to roost. I didn’t see the Kestrels at all then.

This Hooded Crow lives side-by-side with a pair of Common Kestrels and aerial battles are a daily occurrence.

Hooded Crow and Kestrel - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

I particularly love this shot, as the Kestrel looks at the Hooded Crow as if to ask “You again! Why?”

Hooded Crow and Kestrel - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Sometimes the order is reversed and it appears that the Kestrel is chasing the Hooded Crow. I think the Hooded Crow is just getting out in front.

Hooded Crow and Kestrel - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Occasionally I wonder if there might be food involved for some of the mobbing. When the Kestrels have a successful hunt and fly out of the grass with a grasshopper, the Crows descend upon them. But then they do much the same when the hunt hasn’t been successful as well.

Hooded Crow and Kestrel - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

It must be tiring and frustrating having your entire day dominated by cawing objection.

Hooded Crow and Kestrel - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

The Kestrels call,”Kee-kee-kee-kee” as they are mobbed. It’s a privilege to watch a ritual which repeats on this small patch of green every day.

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