Large-billed Crow Project in South Korea

Large-billed crow

We would like to support Joey Rositano’s ‘Large-billed Crow Project’ in South Korea by sharing the link to the Kickstarter he is currently running for the digital version of his book ‘Scattering’.

‘Scattering’ is a limited edition photography book about crow feeding rituals on Jeju Island in South Korea. As part of their shamanic faith residents of Jeju Island leave portions of food for scavenging animals, especially crows. Over five years Joey Rositano documented the special relationship between people and large-billed crows in the village of Darakut in South Korea.

Kickstarter Book One – ‘Scattering’ by Joey Rositano

Joey Rositano is a photographer from Nashville, Tennessee. The last fifteen years he has mostly lived on Jeju Island in South Korea. He has written about shamanism on Jeju Island, published a previous photo book and worked on a number of other projects about the island.

Please check out Joey Rositano’s Kickstarter and share with anyone who might have interest.

Season’s Greetings

Peace and Compassion

As we gather with loved ones to celebrate this supposedly joyous season, let us reflect on the true spirit of Christmas as a time of peace, goodwill and compassion.

In a world marked by conflict, let this Christmas be a beacon of hope, inspiring us to condemn the scourge of war and violence that plagues our global community. May we, in the spirit of the season, strive for understanding, empathy and unity.

Let us extend our compassion not only to our fellow human beings but also to the countless sentient species that share this planet with us. All beings, regardless of their species, have intrinsic worth and deserve to be treated ethically.

May our hearts be open to the interconnectedness of all life, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the well-being of all sentient beings and for the fragile home we share – planet Earth.

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Corvids – Killers or Scavengers?

Introduction

Are corvids cold blooded killers or merely opportunistic scavengers? This is the question we are trying to answer in this blog post. Mainstream media and advertising businesses often have a tendency to present an idyllic and idealised version of farming practices, showcasing for example animals living in picturesque environments. This imagery is employed to evoke positive emotions and create a connection with consumers. It is nothing else than a marketing strategy aimed at promoting the products derived from the use of non-human animals, such as meat or wool, by associating them with positive and wholesome images. Humans have a natural inclination to connect with and appreciate the beauty of animals. The sight of a playful and adorable lamb triggers positive emotions, such as joy and warmth, which does evoke empathy and a sense of compassion.

Spring lamb - Photo credits: FreeImages.com/takatuka
Photo credits: FreeImages.com/takatuka

Bearing this in mind, then it is not surprising that the sight of corvids scavenging on such an innocent being will without a doubt be repulsive for most people, who will immediately sympathise with the victim, and not with the scavenger. Unfortunately, media representations of such wildlife interactions with domesticated non-human animals are commonly very much one-sided, despite the well known fact that it is always essential to consider all nuances and complexities of such interactions.

Jackdaw Alyona
Jackdaw Alyona

Media portrayals often focus on dramatic or attention-grabbing stories, which can lead to an exaggerated or sensationalised narrative. While isolated instances of corvid predation on lambs occur, it is essential to keep in mind that wildlife predation is just one among many factors influencing lamb mortality. It is crucial to take scientific research in account, as we will do, when discussing these matters.

We will show the links between mainstream media, their owners and agricultural businesses, and we will demonstrate historical, cultural and psychological background information to explain why a picture of corvids as being coldblooded killers is being painted. We will look into the human psyche, but also at the reality of agricultural businesses.

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Eyes – Windows to the Soul

Carrion crow Harold

It has been said that the eyes are windows to the soul. Research has shown that the apertures of our eyes offer a glimpse into the mind. No doubt that this applies to human and non-human animals. The pupil response to cognitive and emotional events occurs on an even smaller scale than the light reflex, but with the right tools this response is measurable.

When we give a human or non-human being moral consideration, then this simply means that we take into account how they will be affected by our actions, omissions, attitudes and decisions. Sentient individuals, regardless of their species, have morally relevant interests in being alive and in not being harmed, and this does not vary according to the fact whether a species is rare or common.

When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal.
I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.

Anthony Douglas Williams
Carrion crow Harold
Carrion Crow Harold

Euthanasia – Curse or Blessing?

Rook Octavia

One of the common challenges in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation is to be frequently confronted with the suffering of sentient beings. Rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals does also regularly generate the question of what is an acceptable quality of life. When trying to find an answer to this particular question, one will automatically discover more questions and potential problems. What can be done when the desired level of quality of life is not achievable at all, or at least not within an acceptable time frame? Or, just to name a few of those questions, can the achieved treatment and rehabilitation result be maintained for the rest of the potentially natural life of the animal concerned?

Wood pigeon Harrelson
Wood pigeon Harrelson
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