Gritty Mama Likes Crow

Many people I know don't like crows. I think I understand why. Crows can be aggressive and can kill other smaller birds. They are pretty gross--they eat just about anything. Of course they get a bad rap from Hitchcock, horror movies, and Halloween. And I think in some cultures, they are just bad karma.

But I like 'em. I think they are interesting. I especially enjoy the crows living in my yard lately.

Two crows built a large nest in my massive maple tree in the back yard. I watched them build their nest. Instead of picking up stray twigs, I watched them snap off little branches from the other maple tree. Then they would take the branch, hold it with their talons, and break it right in half. I am talking PERFECTLY in half. Then they'd gently glide over to the other maple and they'd expertly weave the sticks together with their beaks. Lucky me, as I got to see the process from my window. Too cool.

Even better, when the crows were out, I went outside and looked at the nest from the lawn. My crows had woven these pretty delicate purple flowers all around the nest! So not only are they smart, they are groovy, too.

Now that the nest construction is done and the maple leaves are all filled in, it's harder to see the nest. But my crows use my front yard as a feeding ground. They seem rather tame as well. They don't fly off when I get out of the car in the driveway. Today, my crow had a big bug in her mouth. I said to her, "Is that for your babies?" in a tone that was fit for talking to a human toddler or a small puppy. She just looked at me (gave a little nod--so it seemed) and flew back to the nest. Awesome!

Doesn't take much to amuse and delight me obviously.