Simon Says: "Let's meet the Western Jackdaws of Maresha"

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The Jackdaws of Maresha

Maresha (Beit Guvrin), is most famous for its remarkable 3,000 year old history of ancient peoples, & underground chalk caves. But as I found out when visiting there today, one of its most interesting residents is very much alive - the jackdaw (קאק), a small member of the crow family.

And here's the surprise: jackdaws nest in the ancient columbarium!

What's a columbarium? It's an underground dovecote, carved with thousands of small niches.
These caves were used to raise doves for food, fertiliser & religious offerings. Today, those same niches provide perfect nesting spots for jackdaws.

Look out for its silvery-grey neck, pale eyes & distinctive kak-kak call. You may hear one before you spot it!

Jackdaws are highly intelligent & social, living in flocks with complex relationships and hierarchies.

Look up! Next time you're exploring the columbarium at Maresha, take a moment to look into the ancient niches. You might just spot a jackdaw peering back at you.

Want to explore the chalk caves - & their wildlife with us? Join our Little Bus™ Tour in December, which will visit Beit Guvrin, a gin distillery, an olive oil supplier & a coffee shop - which has a unique relationship with coffee producers in South America.

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