But, despite a serous ‘talking to’ by Trust Estates Officer Anthony Johnston, and the introduction of a number of security measures, the trio haven’t taken a blind bit of notice.

For Sheryl Crow, Russell Crowe and Jeremy Crowbyn are not your usual two - legged trouble makers looking to cause nuisance, but a mob of carrion crows who are taking advantage of the closure of the wildlife charity’s Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre.

When the Centre’s Lookout Café closed in March due to lockdown, the trio suddenly realised that all the humans had gone and they could fly up to the four large windows and have a look in, a real treat as, up until then they could only lick their beaks on the grass as they watched visitors eating the scones inside.

Carrion crows like all birds are very territorial, so needless to say they weren’t happy when they saw three crows inside the café - in fact they were hopping mad. The more they hopped - the more the crows inside hopped, so they had to show them just who was boss. And so, the turf war began.

Unfortunately, the crows didn’t realise they were actually watching their own reflections in the glass - something they’d not seen before, and even more unfortunate for the windows separating them from the three rival birds, they weren’t going to let a few panes of glass get in their way.

Not content with pulling out the rubber seals, they moved on to taking huge chunks out the wooden frames which were only installed three years ago.

In an attempt to stop them, Anthony, who is now likening himself to Tipi Hedren in The Birds, covered the exceptionally large windows in plastic netting which was promptly removed in record time and triumphantly tossed away, then, undeterred, he moved on to wire netting which they manipulated off the window with their strong beaks and dropped onto the grass.

So, next week, Anthony is bringing out the big guns! Sheets of board which will be nailed to what’s left of the window surrounds and is placing bets on how long it lasts. Very funny - but once the Lookout Café is re-opened, they will need extensive and expensive repairs.

What makes their antics even more amusing during these humourless times is the three perch in the trees in the adjacent farmer’s field and call to each other as soon as Anthony heads home, before flying back to the window to resume their mischief. Who says birds aren’t clever?

Anthony says: “With the window boarded up it looks like we’ve had looters. I’ve offered them a loyalty card for the café, free parking, even a free Northumberland Wildlife Trust membership but that hasn’t stopped them. It’s very funny especially as they send me off home with their noisy ‘kraa’ call and I respond with a quick salute.

“Fingers crossed, the visitor centre and café will be open again very soon, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see them sitting at one of the tables surrounded by sandwich crumbs and spilt glasses of pop.”

Carrion crows have a wingspan of 33 to 39 inches and weigh 400 to 600 grams. All crows are extremely intelligent and have the largest brain of all birds, except for parrots.