Game of Crows

Tweet of the Day!

We posted this on our news pages in June, but now the story has gone viral thanks to a pair of tourists!

As one of our clients is tourism agency Visit Harrogate, it was fun to see the talking crow story ignite the internet.

In Yorkshire, even the birds speak with an accent.

When the Cause UK team took a scenic lunch break a few months ago, we were interrupted by the infamous talking crow.

Sat on one of the benches in the grounds of Knaresborough castle, taking in one of Yorkshire’s most majestic views, the moment was joyfully disturbed by the bird asking ‘Y’alright love?’ in a strong Yorkshire accent.

Residents may be long aware of the notorious greeting at Knaresborough castle from its famed talking crows. The ‘crow woman of Knaresborough’ is also a popular character, as she pets the crows, and they peck at her glasses.

She informed us there was another crow who wasn’t so charming to tourists who whisked out their phones for selfies – she said it tells them, in rather a rude manner, ‘what are you looking at’!

The crow with the Yorkshire accent has gone viral, picked up by the BBC, the Daily Mail and social media. It’s not the first time. Last year, the Mail reported the birds saying ‘what’s the matter’ and ‘what are you looking for’

The pied crow is known for its surprising intelligence and linguistic ability.

Talking crows are certainly a tourism pull. The cheeky crows also hit the news in 2015 when they reportedly pinched golf balls, phones, and even a baby dummy, as well as mimicking foul-mouthed phrases!

Careful what you say!

‘Y’alright love’ is perhaps the most endearing Yorkshire greeting you can get. To find out more about the delights of Knaresborough, go to the Visit Harrogate website!