Never “just a crow,” or gull raven goose jay chickadee nuthatch. Everything IS interesting, and if it’s not, I need to slow down and get over myself. I enjoy your six things; thank you for sharing. That photomicrography!
I sat on a park bench recently and had a perfectly pleasant conversation with a crow. I suppose it was one-sided but I filled in the rest with my imagination. He or she was elegant and gorgeously blue-black. I love crows. And pigeons. And rats. And almost all unfashionable creatures except cockroaches. They can bugger off.
The book that opened my eyes to the absolute wonder of crows is Corvus by Esther Woolfson. Can’t recommend highly enough. Also, I wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Steve Reich piece a few weeks ago… PS Are you related to Manoug of the same name? I remember him well from the RAM.
It is NEVER just a crow, especially when you have spent years romancing the crow family in your neighborhood with peanuts. Normally, this would be a slam dunk, but the crows know full well that I am THAT woman - the one with the raptors in her backyard and sometimes on her person.
But we are getting there... I now get cautious dive bombs when the peanut bowl is empty, but they never indulge without sidelong glances in my direction and a flurry of feathers if I make an unexpected motion. (It's like they think I'm going to pull a hawk out of my pocket or something.) It turns out that crows are very picky about their friends and even snub them by association. I think that is a rather admirable quality that I wish to learn. 😆
Thanks for this Lev. I am always intimidated by people (who are just trying to be friendly) asking if we have seen anything interesting when we wander around RSPB reserves because I have NO IDEA WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE INTERESTING. I just like being there and seeing lots of birds. I shall try your approach in future.
Never “just a crow,” or gull raven goose jay chickadee nuthatch. Everything IS interesting, and if it’s not, I need to slow down and get over myself. I enjoy your six things; thank you for sharing. That photomicrography!
Brilliant post. I am a big crow lover so this hit the mark for me, thank you.
I don't understand. How do yo get any work done at all, what with these games you keep tempting us with?
Thank you very much.
Crows. See also robins, and bluetits.
And.
Is it a crow?
Is it a raven?
Or is it a jackdaw?
Even better, is it a Hoodie Cra?
I could have done a whole thing about carrion vs hooded crows, their ranges, and the line of hybridisation. Maybe another time.
🙌🙌🙌 yes to ‘it’s all interesting!’ Often times when things are common place we can forget to look and really see all the amazing detail can’t we!
I do it all the time.
Couldn’t agree more about the rare/common - a fascinating read, thank you
Thanks Mark.
Lovely stuff. Light as air and full of goodness.
Thank you!
Well, it was nice knowing you. I’m going to be playing the game for ever from now, so...
HOW'S IT GOING?
I sat on a park bench recently and had a perfectly pleasant conversation with a crow. I suppose it was one-sided but I filled in the rest with my imagination. He or she was elegant and gorgeously blue-black. I love crows. And pigeons. And rats. And almost all unfashionable creatures except cockroaches. They can bugger off.
Yes, that blue-black, sometimes purplish. Gorgeous.
Well, there's two hours I'll never get back...
The book that opened my eyes to the absolute wonder of crows is Corvus by Esther Woolfson. Can’t recommend highly enough. Also, I wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Steve Reich piece a few weeks ago… PS Are you related to Manoug of the same name? I remember him well from the RAM.
I haven't read Corvus, but will add it to the groaning pile. And glad you enjoyed the Reich. And yes, he was my father.
It is NEVER just a crow, especially when you have spent years romancing the crow family in your neighborhood with peanuts. Normally, this would be a slam dunk, but the crows know full well that I am THAT woman - the one with the raptors in her backyard and sometimes on her person.
But we are getting there... I now get cautious dive bombs when the peanut bowl is empty, but they never indulge without sidelong glances in my direction and a flurry of feathers if I make an unexpected motion. (It's like they think I'm going to pull a hawk out of my pocket or something.) It turns out that crows are very picky about their friends and even snub them by association. I think that is a rather admirable quality that I wish to learn. 😆
Love the crow segment...and enjoyed all of this post.
Thanks John!
Thanks for this Lev. I am always intimidated by people (who are just trying to be friendly) asking if we have seen anything interesting when we wander around RSPB reserves because I have NO IDEA WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE INTERESTING. I just like being there and seeing lots of birds. I shall try your approach in future.