When I moved here [North Devon] 7 years ago, a huge flock of crows used to fly over in the early evenings, making noisy displays like a starling murmuration. As the years have flown by [sorry, couldn't resist that!], I've noticed there are fewer and fewer birds, also they are far quieter. There are a lot of red-faced hearties who enjoy shooting pheasants around here, so I wonder if many have been shot. Less sadly and more interesting, I wonder if if this accounts for less cawing by the flocks - in other words, an adaptation?
Has anyone noticed changes in local wildlife behaviour? Are there fewer species of birds and insects in your garden? One thing I have certainlynoticed is that I haven't needed 'bug cleaner' for my car windscreen for decades, which in its way is a sad sign of the times we live in. Also, my journey on the A38 to go shopping is marred by sad piles of feathers every few yards. I wish the Government would put a huge tax on shoots, for the wastage of life - also the huge amount of biowaste.
