‘A JACKDAW among the muses’, Jack has become something of a feathered celebrity in Launceston as he pays visits daily to his many ‘fans’ — but some have raised concerns over his behaviour.

Taken in after it is suspected he fell from the nest, the now infamous ‘Jack Daw’ has divided opinions between the residents of Launceston.

He has become a much loved member of the community for some who enjoy the visits they receive from the partially tame bird but many have raised worries and concerns on social media over the sometimes dangerous actions of this bird.

One person said it was ‘a disgrace the he can fly about like he does’, while another raised concerns over Jack causing dangerous situations, saying ‘So if this bird flew into a car and said driver is petrified of birds so the driver panics and swerves and causes and accident then what happens?’

Jack’s adoptive ‘family’ wants to reassure those with doubts about the jackdaw. His ‘mum’, Emma Sharpe, who lives in the Ridgerove area of Launceston, told the Post: “He is becoming a bit of a celebrity really.”

Emma explained about how she came to be the semi-carer of the young jackdaw, she said: “We think he was either thrown or fell from his nest. We found him and tried to get him back to his parents but were unable to find them.

“It was never my intention to keep him as a tame bird, I want him to eventually be set back into the wild, but for now he comes and goes as he pleases.”

Emma explained that after about a day of looking for Jack’s mother she decided to begin feeding him: “We began feeding him and then about three weeks later he imprinted on me. We had initially put him in a box and within two or three days he was up and about following me around.

“I had hoped he would fly off and meet other jackdaws but he has stuck around so we made him a little box on top of the roof to live in as I never want him to be in a cage, so, for now, he seems to quite happy to come and go from his little ‘home’.”

Emma added: “I have seen him flying with other jackdaws so I hope one day he may return to the wild, but for now he seems happy going on his adventures and meeting new people.”

Jack has made his presence around Launceston felt as he goes out, usually daily, to visit many local places and streets.

He has become something of a local celebrity, bringing a smile to those he visits. However, there are a few who are wary, as Jack has been known to land on people’s shoulders and heads causing some younger children and people with phobias to become quite frightened by the bird.

Emma said: “He is intrigued by people and I understand people may be wary of him, especially those with phobias etc., as he can startle people when he lands on them as many may be unaware he is tame and not a fully wild bird.

“I have spoken to the council and they are happy for him to stay.”

During his visits he was recently seen helping some of the employees at the Spar shop, on Dutson Road, open up at 6.15am.

Jack has also ‘made friends’ with Sarah Barnes, who posted a picture to the Facebook page ‘Launceston Notice Board’ showing Jack sitting on her shoulder as she walked into town.

Sarah told the Post: “Some people have been quite open on social media about their dislike for Jack which is really sad to see because he is such a character, it is such a shame.

“He is a dear little chap that doesn’t mean any harm. Once I had offered him my arm he jumped straight on and I was delighted.

“I do understand some people being phobic, I myself am scared of spiders but I would never wish harm on them.

“At the end of the day he is a wild bird, he is not a pet and it isn’t unusual for birds, or animals in general, to cotton on to a good thing.

“He is perfectly harmless and I would be very happy to see him again and give him a ‘lift’ into town. He is a handsome little chap and I was honoured to meet him, he really made my day.”

Offering advice for those who are not keen on the attentions of the young bird, John Rance, from the wildlife information service run by the Wildlife Trust, said: “Obviously this bird is used to humans and has grown to not have the natural fear that most wild birds have.

“For a small child it may be quite scary but I can say he is not a threat and has just taken up the habit of sitting on his owner’s head and shoulders and is replicating this behaviour with others.”

Dr Alex Thornton, a professor at the University of Exeter’s Penryn campus, spoke to the Post about Jack and his behaviour.

Dr Thornton runs a large protect looking into the behaviour and intelligence of the jackdaw, a related member of the crow family.

Under his project there are over 1,000 jackdaws that they are able to identify and follow to monitor behaviour, with an interest in understanding jackdaw intelligence.

When informed of Jack and his presence around Launceston, Dr Thornton said ‘Jack sounds like quite a character’. He went on to offer some words of advice and to explain this behaviour, he said: “This is very unusual behaviour for a wild jackdaw but it is clear he has most certainly been hand reared.

“They are usually pretty timid birds, but ones who have been in contact with people and been hanging around them, as this one clearly has, become more used to our presence.

“We had a jackdaw similar to this down on the Penryn campus, he would sit on people’s shoulders in the cafeteria and would even go and tap on the windows of the students’ houses and they would then invite him in to have breakfast.

“Overall, Jack is just curious and I can say that he is not a danger. For those who are not keen on his attention I suggest making unpredictable or erratic movements, something he wouldn’t be used to, as he will be less likely to approach you then.”

Emma told the Post of one incident where someone had mistaken him for a tame bird and placed him in a cage, adding: “I did have to go and retrieve him and I want to make people aware that he knows he can come ‘home’ whenever he pleases. He does go off exploring and meeting people but is free to return home whenever he wants to.

“He does have a family that love him very much and he should never be caged.”

Due to concerns raised by some residents, Emma is currently looking for an aviary or large cage in which to house Jack.