Rooks

[borngaffa]

I had been told by a mate that even though rooks are classed as vermin they actually do a lot of good since they eat some insects in the soil that destroy crops. Don't ask me what these insects are because i don't know. Anyway I was searching the internet to find out more about this and came across a document that said rooks do no good in england and wales but are of use to farmers in ireland since this is actually where the soil dwelling insect lives. I am a little confused as to who to believe. Any thoughts on the matter would be much appreciated.

[Hinksy]

your mate is quite right-they eat leatherjackets and other grubs in the soils, you'll often see 'em following a plough along.
I only go rooking once a year-early may to shoot the branchers and keep some of the numbers down, preferably not wiping them out!!
good luck trying to stalk and shoot one of the adults out in the fields-crafty sods that they are

[Gwylan]

I like rooks, friendly, sociable, stick together, etc. not like scummy magpies, or crows..! (spits on floor..! ) Your friend is right about their useful side, but they are opportunists, and have been known to peck at new born lambs, etc.
I don't shoot them.

Gus

[Parabuteo]

Gregarious, Thats one of the problems. They hang around in herds...or chapters (but deffo not thickets ).

I have done a bit of rook shooting with a shotty helping my mate out.

The thing that struck me was the birds ability to just go along the drills and pick out the seed, like a sewing machine.

It is this sort of activity that gives em a bad name (understandably, particularly on my patch as, being organic, I dont think they can treat the seed...I might be wrong though ).

I must admit I like all birds, but when you have to do it, they get the usual treatment

Cant beat a big flock (is that what they call it with rooks?) in a clear blue winter sky, all calling and doing aero's...even better with a big Gyr or Peregrine stooping through...and he says he likes all birds

[John Bedford]

Isn't it a 'parliament' of rooks?

Seem to remember that from a quiz or something.

[Hinksy]

I know its a murder of crows-perhaps someone could let us know the collective for rooks??

[jinx]

Isn't it a 'parliament' of rooks?

Seem to remember that from a quiz or something.

Parliament refers to owls, it is a building of rooks

[Opal]

And a shed of rats.

[parky844]

all you need to know about groups of animals http://rinkworks.com/words/collective.shtml

[bullbarrel]

Isn't it a 'parliament' of rooks?

I thought it was a 'parliament' of CROOKS?

[John Bedford]

I thought it was a 'parliament' of CROOKS?

[jax13]

no, its a parliament of ******* *******

rhymes with mucking bankers if thats any help!!!