The Cornish Chough by danob
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
There had always been choughs in Cornwall. The first reliable recording of their presence dates back to 1640, but surely they were living there long before that time.
Myths and legends about these charismatic members of the crow family abound it is even said that the soul of King Arthur departed this life in the form of a chough, whose red bill and legs symbolised his bloody end.
Certainly the chough has a special meaning for the people of Cornwall; it appears on the Cornwall County Council coat of arms, on the Tamar bridge, on numerous pub signs, and is celebrated in Cornish prose and poetry.
I left Cornwall in 1973 and it was about that time that the last Chough was seen there, and they vanished not to be seen again until 1981, when they were first spotted again around the Lizard, and over the last few years they have started to breed again.. Both the reason for the extinction, and recent return may be due to the change in agricultural practices, apart from pesticides.
Grazing cattle on the cliff tops in my opinion, being the most important as this provided the birds with the habitat they like, and also in other parts of the world where they have survived such as Wales and Ireland, and Brittany.
Comments (45)
What a lovely bird, all my crows have black beaks and bills; great shot!
Wonderful shot and incredible natural color my friend....!!!
Great shot Danny. I have never seen a chough before. Wonderful control; of the blacks. Thanks for the history lesson.
Interesting info about this magnificent bird with the red bill. Excellent photo.
Superb capture!
Very nice shot.... Aloha
Beautiful bird and capture!
impressive guy, great shot!
A very striking bird. CC
Awesome capture. I have read about them in many of my family histories, but never seen one other than paintings. Beautiful shot. Thank you.
A wonderful photography full of harmony and beauty. Fantastic work. Superbly done!!Congratulations!! A million stars from me!!!**************** Happy weekend. Luminous blesing. Ludy
Splendid ! love the comp and the colors. Perfect.
fantastic capture!
A beautiful bird, Danny, and a fine shot. Very impressive red beak, and great that they are making a comeback!
Wonderful capture!