‘Russell’ crow leaves shoppers in a flap at Co-op store

Shoppers and staff at a Lincolnshire Co-op say they are being terrorised by an upstart crow – dubbed Russell.

Abi Hill, from the Co-op in North Hykeham, said they had initially blamed bored teenagers for mess outside the shop, but then realised the crow had been pecking discarded items from the bin.

Mike Main, who has written a poem about the bird’s exploits, said Russell would fly off now and again to take a rest with his partner, Sheryl, before returning for more food.

His wife Jackie said she was terrified to leave the store and would ask staff to check on the bird’s whereabouts before she made a dash for it.

Reciting his ode to the crow, Mr Main said: “This brazen bird thinks he owns the place – with your loaded bags he will give you chase.

“He has no fear – thinks he’s the boss – from the litter bin all things he’ll toss. The chances to stop him are so slender, but worst of all he’s not even a member.”

Russell – named after the Hollywood actor – is not the first crow to ruffle a few feathers in the county.

In 2022, Grantham Town Football Club was forced to switch a home FA Cup qualifying tie to the ground of opponents Rugby Town after crows damaged their pitch.

The birds were apparently looking for chafer grubs, which had infested the playing surface.