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Original poster

To be scared that I’m still marked by the crows?

1000 replies

ChoccyOrangeYum · 31/12/2023 23:14

A couple of years ago I walked the dog on a local field. I know nothing about birds but I was later told it was their breeding season.

Anyway we must have got too close to their nests as they suddenly started flying around irrationally, making a hell of a racket screaming etc and then started dive bombing the dog. The dog thought this was fun so started chasing the crows. All hell broke loose basically and we were suddenly surrounded by crows going mental. We made a quick exit!!

I left it a few days then took the dog back on the field but after speaking to locals about the crows I stayed away from the back of the field (where they’re breeding) and kept dog in lead. As soon as we stepped on the field the noise started up again and the crows appeared and started dive bombing again! There was someone else on the field with a dog who the crows were totally ignoring!

We left and after a bit of research I found that crows remember faces and don’t forgive easily 😬 so we didn’t go back on.

A whole year later we went back on assuming the old crows won’t be there anymore but we were on there 5 minutes before it all started again. These birds are not bothering anyone else on the field, just me!!

Anyway my neighbour has suggested we go for a walk in the field tomorrow morning but I’m shit scared of the birds. Will they still go for me if I don’t have the dog?! Will they ever move on from the incident 2 years ago or am I banned from the field for life?!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
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LuckyCharmz · 31/12/2023 23:15

Have you considered wearing a disguise? Moustache and glasses for example?

Nearlythere80 · 31/12/2023 23:16

I have no idea but it would be fascinating to find out! Go tomorrow and update us!

Original poster
ChoccyOrangeYum · 31/12/2023 23:17

LuckyCharmz · 31/12/2023 23:15

Have you considered wearing a disguise? Moustache and glasses for example?

😂 imagine me going to meet neighbour like that in morning? 🤣

OP posts:
LuckyCharmz · 31/12/2023 23:19

@ChoccyOrangeYum it’s a disguise, the neighbour wouldn’t recognise you!

NeverDropYourMooncup · 31/12/2023 23:20

You need to start making amends/paying protection money.

It's just after Christmas, so there should be plenty of cheese for you to cube up and leave in a little pile for them as a toll for safe passage (and won't harm any opportunistic Beagles).

Do it each time you enter the field and they'll soften their attitude towards you.

QuestionableMouse · 31/12/2023 23:21

Take some high quality treats and distribute them widely. I think stuff like nuts and high meat cat food is best. I'd go without your dog at first!

Tel12 · 31/12/2023 23:21

Was attacked by nesting terns once and found that holding an umbrella (closed) gave them something else to focus on. They did make my husband's head bleed. I've never heard of crows doing this. I'd probably give the field a miss TBH.

TheMousePipes · 31/12/2023 23:23

Cheese is your friend. You need to take quality apologies for all the feathers you ruffled.

AlltheFs · 31/12/2023 23:25

My Dad has some crows that he feeds at his local park, they know it’s him- they literally appear from nowhere whenever he goes near and seem besotted with him. They ignore everyone else but they know the man with food.

Mind you he’s got a tame fox too - mad old bugger.

If you feed them they’ll expect it forever! It’s probably easier to move house….

OwlBeGone · 31/12/2023 23:25

No they remember forever and tell their children about you too

Moonflower12 · 31/12/2023 23:26

Apparently crows often live into their teens so I don't think you're safe yet...

Original poster
ChoccyOrangeYum · 31/12/2023 23:26

Just checking that the suggestions to take food treats is genuine and not sarcasm? 😂

DH is going to walk the dog on the field in morning and if he isn’t attacked by crows I’ll attempt it afterwards 😬

OP posts:
FirstFallopians · 31/12/2023 23:27

I remember reading ages ago that crows have a fantastic ability to memorise and recognise human faces.

Not only that, but they can pass on the information to other crows.

I’m sorry OP but you have become Crow Lore.

zurala · 31/12/2023 23:27

Yes definitely take them treats. They are very intelligent and will reconsider their hatred of you if you give them nice things

thedefinitive · 31/12/2023 23:28

LuckyCharmz · 31/12/2023 23:15

Have you considered wearing a disguise? Moustache and glasses for example?

Haha love this. OP you should definitely try a disguise and see if it fools them

Spidercatchersaveslives · 31/12/2023 23:29

I completely understand we were attached by a massive pigeon once it was so scary and 🤣 Four adults running around me protecting my child by waving a book around. It was relentless. I’ve never looked at pigeons the same again.

Twofurrycats · 31/12/2023 23:29

Bribery is the only way forward. Not sarcasm . You need crow treats.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 31/12/2023 23:30

ChoccyOrangeYum · 31/12/2023 23:26

Just checking that the suggestions to take food treats is genuine and not sarcasm? 😂

DH is going to walk the dog on the field in morning and if he isn’t attacked by crows I’ll attempt it afterwards 😬

No, I'm absolutely serious. They remember you, remember that you brought that annoying dog into their field and that you've never shown any remorse for the distress you caused them and their babies.

If you find a particular tree stump or other spot to place your offerings, you might find gifts left for you in return once they've accepted your apologies.

ETA: Get DH to start with cheese cubes tomorrow, as they will also recognise the dog and give you a chance to get there the following day. KEEP THE DOG ON ITS LEAD.

nocoolnamesleft · 31/12/2023 23:30

Bribery and offerings sounds a plausible strategy.

Pepperlypue · 31/12/2023 23:30

Crows also love shiny things. They will bring gifts to people who give them snacks too! Definitely take food.

magnificent birds!

MammaTill2Pojkar · 31/12/2023 23:32

Definitely bring gifts (food) whenever you visit, eventually they should mark you as a friend instead of an enemy, they remember people who are kind to them as well as people who are 'bad'.

SunnydaleQueen · 31/12/2023 23:33

My grandad claims that when he was in his 20s he was attacked by a group of crows, and in the end he had to move hous because of all the crows living in the trees behind his house. He moved 6 miles away and for a week or two he was fine but he reckons that the crows near his new house then also started attacking him.

Disclaimer : I'm not sure how true this is! But I have seen plenty accounts online of people saying crows have very long memories and can communicate with each other.

Please let us know how it goes tomorrow!

Original poster
ChoccyOrangeYum · 31/12/2023 23:33

Wow this is quite fascinating! Problem is I’m not sure they’re ready for an apology yet, they’re still furious. They start up as soon as I step on the field 😞

if I was to step on the field, Chuck treats on the floor as they appear and then leave would that work?

OP posts:
Soldaret · 31/12/2023 23:35

Wear a balaclava, might need one for the dog too

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