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Families urged to take action if they see crows in garden this summer
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has confirmed that the number of carrion crows in the UK has dropped year on year, by as much as 4.8% across the UK
British families are being encouraged to keep an eye out for crows this summer, as the RSPB reveals a worrying 4.8 per cent decline in the UK's carrion crow population. The society highlighted that these birds, known for their intelligence, have been dwindling in numbers alongside other species such as starlings and sparrows.
In its latest findings, the RSPB has noted that the all-black carrion crow, which can be found nationwide, is one of the most adaptable and clever garden birds. The RSPB explains: "The all-black Carrion Crow is one of the cleverest, most adaptable of our birds. It's often quite fearless, although it can be wary of humans.
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"They're fairly solitary, usually found alone or in pairs, although they may sometimes form flocks. The closely related Hooded Crow has recently been split as a separate species."
It adds: "Carrion Crows will come to gardens for food and although often cautious initially, they soon learn when it's safe, and will return repeatedly to snack on whatever's on offer."
Moreover, the RSPB describes how these opportunistic feeders have a varied diet, from urban scraps to natural offerings, and are known to frequent garden feeders for a quick bite, reports the Express.
Bird populations in the UK are struggling for a multitude of reasons, prompting an urgent call from a charity for people to spring into action.
During the last weekend of January, an impressive turnout of nearly 600,000 individuals participated in their annual bird-counting endeavour, dedicating an hour to monitor our feathered friends within their gardens or local parks, aiding conservationists in assessing the state of British aviary life.
The charity expressed concern, stating: "The problems faced by birds are many and varied, which means we need to take action in all sorts of areas. From gardening for wildlife to the way we farm and manage our rivers, it all impacts on nature."
They then added: "That's why we work tirelessly to save, protect and fight for nature. And when we come together for nature, it works. Birds that were almost lost from the UK have been brought back."
In a bid to bolster at-risk species like the starlings, the charity is encouraging householders to adopt simple practices such as eschewing pesticides and maintaining natural lawns that support the foraging needs of birds, providing them access to insects like crane fly larvae, also known as leatherjackets.
