Let’s Talk About Kevin
Kevin was a young jackdaw rescued by as a baby by one of Ballynoe House’s neighbours. He was very used to people and could be encountered in our local neighboured. He was recognised by the green ring on his leg and can appear in close-proximity quite unexpectedly, being the socialised bird he was.
Kevin the Jackdaw on Mark’s Head
He particularly enjoyed cat food, peanuts and grapes, and his range included Ballynoe House. The arrival of a large group of new guests seemed to encourage him to increase his range and investigate. In early Summer 2019, he was a frequent visitor, often tapping the kitchen window of The Barn House around breakfast time and the windows of the main house whenever he was peckish! His visits were very welcome and delighted all the guests in our self-catering accommodation who have had the pleasure of interacting with him. He even joined one family in their walk down to the beach at Sandscove, stayed with them and accompanied them all the way back!
Hand-Feeding Kevin the Jackdaw at Ballynoe House
Kevin the Jackdaw Enjoying some Cat Food at Ballynoe House
From a very inauspicious start, having either been thrown out of or fallen from a nest, he was found cold and lifeless but stirred when moved. He went from strength to strength. He adopted the ways of other jackdaws in the vicinity has became a less frequent visitor. One day, he took a grape and we haven’t seen him since.
Kevin the Survivor
Raising Kevin the Jackdaw [Two Photos c/o Kevin’s “mom” – Olive O’Hara Lynn]