Jackdaws

I sometimes have the impression that birds are capable of getting enjoyment from their ability to fly. This is especially apparent on a windy day such as today. To see birds flying into the wind, diving and weaving to try to make progress and then, suddenly change direction and fly downwind, appears to be more than a pragmatic decision.
I observed this behaviour in a large flock (up to fifty individuals) who suddenly broke formation and descended upon the field I was walking through. Calling all the time, the Jackdaws always make their presence very apparent to anyone within hearing distance.
My early interest in Jackdaws came from reading the work of the animal behaviour expert: Konrad Lorenz. He reared some young birds to be better able to observe their behaviours. He delighted in their flying abilities and I always wanted to get to know this bird, though they were extant in the area of Lancashire where I grew up.
Later, living in Wales, I had the greatest pleasure from owning a house that lay along the Jackdaw's daily flight path. What an amazing clarion call to announce the start and end of each day as large numbers of these birds fly to and from their roosting site.