Here around “Cowboy Creek” the critters just seem to outnumber the rest of us. What would the day be without the familiar call of the crow, although it wouldn’t hurt if they slept in every now and then. Have you ever just stopped to ponder on this wonderful creature?I was recently watching a documentary where they studied the humble bird’s ability to recognize a human face and communicate this knowledge with the rest of the group. To make a long story short, they discovered that not only were they able to recognize a face, but they also passed this knowledge off to their offspring.They are able to use and create simple tools and complete complex tasks, I have always marveled at their ability to simply survive in a harsh environment instead of heading south for the winter.
Here around our small rural school feeding the crows has become a daily routine, we started with just a couple birds but over the course of a winter serve breakfast to 170 of our feathered friends each morning. The kids love charting the growing numbers, and even managing to name a few of the most noticeable ones.They have also been known to bring gifts to those that treat them well, although when the candy and coffee mugs started showing up with little notes attached I began to suspect it might just be the maintenance staff, who quietly clean up the little birdy messes. Rain or snow they can be seen waiting in the Douglas fir beside the school like candles against the white background to greet us.
Perhaps that’s why every time I see a replica of a crow I just need to add it to the stores mix,two of my favorites are “Tristian the Crow” puppet from the wonderful folks at Folkmanis, and” Corbie the Crow” Nutcracker handmade in the workshop of Christian Ulbricht of Germany .They are the perfect addition to any home or cabin and are truly something to “crow” about! Both are perfect for any gift giving occasion.
As spring blooms into summer, I look forward to wandering off into the mountains, and the wonderful cries that fill the sky that remind me I am never alone.A special thank you to my wonderful friend and co-worker Jenny who not only serves as the crows’ secretary, but also captured this wonderful spring picture of one my friends.
On the journey,
Steve