Rooks

[Acipiter]

I have been watching a small rookery since 05, there's just 3 pairs in this one.
The question is, this year they have not returned, any ideas anyone? do rooks just up and move, I just found it a bit strange. Thanks.

[thunder]

Well, sometimes they do move - and sometimes, of course, they get shot.

But it may be a bit early - the Rooks in 'my' rookery are only today starting to build, as far as I can tell. A few more days and yours may return.

henrya

[aeshna5]

One of my local woods- Ten Acre Wood in Hillingdon (London suburbs) apparently used to have a rookery in it before my time + according to other local birders they just upped + left one day.

Last year I did discover an oak with c18 nests in it close to Northolt Aerodrome not too far away where there was quite a bit of activity.

[King Edward]

Three pairs sounds like a pretty small rookery - were there more pairs previously, or always only a few. I'd guess that they might have abandoned the site in favour of joining a larger rookery elsewhere.

[Acipiter]

Originally Posted by King Edward

Three pairs sounds like a pretty small rookery - were there more pairs previously, or always only a few. I'd guess that they might have abandoned the site in favour of joining a larger rookery elsewhere.

There was only ever 3 pairs, it just seemed to me a bit strange being there all those years, and then suddenly disappearing.

[nightshade]

They do haves roosts as well as a Rookery which is explained in Mark Cockers's book Crow Country a fascinating insight to these lovely birds.

[Acipiter]

Thanks for the info everyone, my walks are not the same with out the sight and sounds of the rooks. I am hoping they will turn up yet.

[nightshade]

Warning Rooks can take over your life. Have a look on Google Earth, you are looking for open farmland and tall trees, (you can bet there will be a big house somewhere around or a village).

[Acipiter]

Spot on Nightshade, I use to have a rook as a pet when I was boy. The most bad tempered bird you would ever wish to meet. Still I seem to have a soft spot for all things, just that bit different. Theres a message there somewhere, I am not sure what it is

[rossy]

Originally Posted by Acipiter

I have been watching a small rookery since 05, there's just 3 pairs in this one.
The question is, this year they have not returned, any ideas anyone? do rooks just up and move, I just found it a bit strange. Thanks.

this has been asked before, has any of the land near by had new buildings erected ? or has the landscape changed ? had a look at one near me today and 14 nests , which has been the same number for years, dont know why , but another one has grown each year, its great to listen to them , rossy.