Crow Fishing

[Ryewolf]

I spotted this crow fishing at the weir in Whalley, which was something I didn't expect, it did mange to catch a fish whilst I was photographing, not sure if it's the same bird in all three images though.

[Korky]

I like shot two best - the light on the crow's feathers looks great.

Yup! That's the one for me.

Korky

[Ryewolf]

Thanks Korky, yes crows are a problem to photograph, they're basically black so if the sun's not hitting them just right they tend to come out as a black splodge with a beak. They also tend to be quite timid so you don't often get the chance to get up close to them.

[ThaiMike]

The last one is interesting for me. Something come out or in from the peak.

[Phil]

All 3 work, particularly like the low perspective.

[Nikonmike]

Lovely images of as you say a difficult bird, very intelligent though.

[FUJI]

He seems to have caught his/her fish......this set has been a very interesting one....I had not realised that Crows fish like this.....

I do know that we have one huge Carrion Crow, visiting my bird-feeder....it can fill its beak with sultanas and bread very quickly....it dunks bread in the bird-bath too....probably copying the resident Magpies.

I am always pleased to observe the natural and literal pecking order....all species seem to get their fair share as the day goes on, with very little fighting...all seem to watch, then take turns; a species at a time.

A bit like an African water-hole I guess ?

FUJI

[Nikonmike]

Not sure of the etiquette here so if I have done wrong I will remove it, This crow came off the beach with the twig held in its foot,I bet it had been using it as a tool.

 

[johntwo]

That's something I haven't seen before.  I thought crows lived entirely on carrion.  Three nice shots with plenty of detail in the blacks.  I particularly like the first, mainly because you also have movement in the water.

[Ryewolf]

9 hours ago, ThaiMike said:

Something come out or in from the peak

Thanks Mike, it had just caught a fish. I spotted them catching several fish but wasn't quick enough to catch them.

Cheers Phil, Mike and FUJI

4 hours ago, FUJI said:

I had not realised that Crows fish like this

It's the first time I've see them doing it, but there were several of them at the weir.

3 hours ago, John2 said:

That's something I haven't seen before.  I thought crows lived entirely on carrion.

Thanks John, it was the first time for me as well. I've had crows come for the mealworms I put out and they often visit the feeding tables at Sprinwood Whalley when everyone has gone.

[FUJI]

Rye I think that you should send this series of pics to the RSPB for a report/feedback, on whether crows fishing us unusual....you might have=ve stumbled on something new here...

FUJI

[Ryewolf]

10 hours ago, FUJI said:

report/feedback, on whether crows fishing us unusual

I've been doing a bit of Googling as this interested me and wondered whether this behaviour was unique, it turns out it's not. The ones I saw probably learned the trick by watching the Black Headed Gulls, apparently they will also catch fish using bait - such as bread. As Mike says they are very intelligent birds.

[Clicker]

Oooh  I  think #2 is a  really  good image displaying the real beauty of the feathers Rye.. Great exposure.

 I see Crows, Otters and Chimpanzees  have been documented using tools...

That's an interesting pic Mike .. . ...I think if an image is pertinent to the discussion no one usually objects on here.  It's not a hanging offence as far as I'm aware.

[Ryewolf]

Thanks Clicker I spotted a Crow fishing again today, Crows and indeed many of the Corvids all seem rather timid when people are around, so while common they don't get photographed a lot.