Alcester crow attacking blondes and scaring shoppers

[dutchman]

People on Alcester High Street are being terrorised by a bird that swoops to attack and squawk at shoppers.



The black bird, believed to be a crow or jackdaw, has attacked at least 10 people and makes noise and mess.

One theory is that the bird is an escaped domesticated bird, another is that is targets blonde women.

Many shoppers are frightened of the creature and at least one woman has been cut on the back of the neck by the bird's beak or claws.

Blonde bird

Wendy, who took the photograph above, described the problem to BBC Coventry & Warwickshire: "It sits outside the shop swooping at peoples' heads. Our customers are quite frightened of it.

"It also sits in the gutters throwing things out the gutters. I think eventually something should be done because if it gets hold of a child... he's already cut one lady on the back of the neck by landing on her.

"Mainly it's nips on the neck, on the top of the head, scratches. And he seems to be attracted to blonde haired women."

Local community support officer, Becky Morrison, confirmed the incidents: "We've had reports that it's living somewhere on the High Street and apparently about 10 people so far have been attacked by the jackdaw. No one has been seriously injured, it's just the odd peck."

However, she was unaware of the hair colour of all the victims.

Celebrity character

The antics of the bird is turning into a bit of a local celebrity and some of the people who work and shop on the High Street actually look forward to seeing it.

Pet shop owner, Graham, said: "He comes about every day and I feed him. Some people say he's attacking them but I think he was somebody's pet and has got away and just wants to land on their shoulder. I put food on the top of the van and he comes down for it; wild bird seeds, nuts, cat food, a baked potato with cheese.

"He's very noisy and squawks to people. A few people want him destroyed. I was told that if the police do get somebody out they'll probably destroy it but I think if they capture it then they should move it on to the countryside away from here.

"I look forward to seeing him come. That's why the food's there. Every time he squawks I come out and give him some food."

Alexi, who works at local chemist, added: "It's very noisy, squawking at people."

Crow or jackdaw?

Witness are undecided about whether the bird is a crow or a jackdaw. So what is the difference?

A jackdaw is a kind of crow and, according to the RSPB, eight species of crow breed in the UK. Their species description states that most are adaptable and in towns may become tame and may visit gardens.

The large black birds that most of us call crows are actually carrion crows and the RSPB website characterises them: "One of the cleverest, most adaptable of our birds. It is often quite fearless, although it can be wary of man. They are fairly solitary, usually found alone or in pairs."

The description of the jackdaw, on the same website, reads: "A small black crow with a grey neck and pale eyes. It is sociable and usually seen in pairs or larger groups. It is quite and acrobatic flier and flocks will often chase and tumble together in flight. On the ground it both walks and hops."