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Palace Crows

Carrion crow in the grounds of the Crystal Palace Park.

 

The carrion crow (corvus corone) of the family corvidae.

The all-black carrion crow is one of the cleverest, most adaptable of our birds. It is often quite fearless, although it can be wary of man. They are fairly solitary, usually found alone or in pairs. The closely related hooded crow has recently been split as a separate species. Carrion crows will come to gardens for food and although often cautious initially, they soon learn when it is safe, and will return repeatedly to take advantage of whatever is on offer.

[RSPB website]

 

Crystal Palace Park came from the Penge Place estate when, in 1854, the Crystal Palace was moved from Hyde Park (where it was set up in 1851 for The Great Exhibition).

The Crystal Palace was designed by Joseph Paxton, who also played a role in the relocation and designing the new site with its Italian gardens and terraces.

The area waned in the late c19th, and despite hosting the Festival of Empire in 1911, the managing company declared bankruptcy. In 1913 the Earl of Plymouth purchased it to save it, and a public supscription was raised to purchase it for the nation.

It was a naval training ground during the Great War, after which it was the first Imperial War Museum.

The 1920s saw a programme of restoration and rejuvenation, but 30 November 1936 an office fire broke out and the building burned down.

Since then the Park has hosted various events and partial development. Today it is primarily a public park.

 

Taken in Crystal Palace

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Uploaded on April 16, 2011
Taken on April 10, 2011