Western Jackdaw(Coloeus monedula) – Castlewellan, Northern Ireland
It’s no easy life for the birds of the wild, a fact known all too well to this Jackdaw. But despite its damaged beak, this one appeared as perky as its nearby brethren, and showed no fear getting up close for a photo.
These two have been nesting in my neighbours’ chimney for two years or more. I’ve watched them from my bedroom window, bringing twigs, grasses, and sometimes some strange shiny things to build up their nest, hanging around, and chatting up the local rooks.
But last week, when I came home from university, I saw the chimney top had been replaced with one of sturdier construction - so the nest is now lost.
So long, Jackdaws. I hope you and the chicks you brought up have found new shelter to survive the winter ahead. Thanks for the sights, and the photos.
Meet the bird that captured the heart of this Canadian soldier… and maybe some of his things.
The four photographs below show a jackdaw who was found sometime during the Battle of the Somme. It became the mascot of this Canadian Army Service Corp despite the fact that he was a bit of thief and “continually stealing” from them. The pictures below were taken in March, 1917.
Photographs:1,2,3,4 from the Canadian Library and Archives.
Looking for more photographs of animals at war? Check out the Atlantic’sphoto series on the very topic.
Taking a break from colourizing, GWIC Takes Five is a feature which brings to you primary source material from the First World War. Whether it be postcards, posters, or letters. To see more, track the tag GWIC Takes Five.
