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'Russell' crow leaves shoppers in a flap

BBC A crow resting on a black litter bin, attached to a wall outside the Co-op store in North Hykeham. There is a cash machine to the side and part of a shop window in view.BBC
Russell the crow has been ruffling a few feathers at the Co-op store in North Hykeham

Shoppers and staff at a Lincolnshire Co-op say they are being terrorised by an upstart crow – dubbed Russell.

Abi Hill, from the Co-op in North Hykeham, said they had initially blamed bored teenagers for mess outside the shop, but then realised the crow had been pecking discarded items from the bin.

Mike Main, who has written a poem about the bird's exploits, said Russell would fly off now and again to take a rest with his partner, Sheryl, before returning for more food.

His wife Jackie said she was terrified to leave the store and would ask staff to check on the bird's whereabouts before she made a dash for it.

Simon Spark/BBC Co-op worker Abi Hill stands outside the glass store entrance. She has short dark hair and is smiling. She wears a Co-op blue polo shirt and fleece with a name badge.Simon Spark/BBC
Co-op worker Abi Hill said they initially thought teenagers were responsible for the mess

Reciting his ode to the crow, Mr Main said: "This brazen bird thinks he owns the place – with your loaded bags he will give you chase.

"He has no fear – thinks he's the boss – from the litter bin all things he'll toss. The chances to stop him are so slender, but worst of all he's not even a member."

Russell – named after the Hollywood actor – is not the first crow to ruffle a few feathers in the county.

In 2022, Grantham Town Football Club was forced to switch a home FA Cup qualifying tie to the ground of opponents Rugby Town after crows damaged their pitch.

The birds were apparently looking for chafer grubs, which had infested the playing surface.

Simon Spark/BBC A smiling Mike Main looking towards the camera. He has short grey hair and is wearing a blue padded jacket and sunglasses. Simon Spark/BBC
Mr Main was inspired to pen a poem about the bird's exploits

Elsewhere, residents in Derbyshire thought vandals had been scratching cars on their street until two crows were spotted attacking vehicles.

According to experts, the birds were trying to defend their territory.

An angry crow "enraged by its own reflection" also repeatedly attacked a mirror sculpture at the University of Leicester.

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