Crows ran owl off

[clhbubba]

The other evening DH was outside in the evening and heard the crows raising cane. Walked down the field to see them dive bombing and pecking a very large owl. They ran him completely off. I have seen them do this do a hawk that was in our field. I know most people don't like them, but they have more than once alerted me to a predator. I think I would rather have a flock of them than several hawks flying around, they don't eat my adult birds. I know they would eat chicks, but I always keep them locked up until they are large enough. If I forget and leave eggs on top of the runs that I've gathered, they'll take them off. They even took my prescription glasses off the top of a run recently. I wasn't too pleased with that. But, if they'll run a couple of air borne predators off, they can have the occasional egg.

 

[Koolduck]

I've noticed that the crows have run off the hawks also. I used to chase the crows...not anymore! You go guys, you go!

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Crows can be very helpful for harassing raptors of all sorts or at least calling a warning that other birds learn to recognize.

But at times they can be a problem in themselves stealing eggs or killing and eating young chicks if they can get at them.

No unmixed blessings it seems.

.....Alan.

 

[flakey chick]

And if I'm not around, at least they'll alert my girls. These chickens have FINALLY learned hawks= danger and have learned the danger cries of the crows and squirrels.