From the Serengeti to Surrey, it’s all about synergy

You’ve seen those pictures of birds perched on the backs of wildebeest in the Serengeti, right? The birds are feasting on ticks and parasites which benefits both wildebeest and bird.

We raise you this video of a crow with new pony Annie in our grazing fields in Surrey, where thankfully it isn’t about parasites. Nature is always resourceful, and our horses’ winter coats are shedding just as the birds are building their nests. It’s another example of perfect synergy – the horse is relieved of some of that itchy hair, and the hatchlings get a cosy home. You can see that Annie is very chilled out as the crow pecks at her rump. It’s the equivalent of a particularly fine scratch.

And here’s a jackdaw at the Stables collecting Fanta’s fur in downtown Teddington.

Tip: If you’re tempted to do this when grooming your pets, think again or ask your vet for advice first. Flea treatment is absorbed by the fur which protects the pet but is toxic to birds.