This week: I Voted! Don't forget!
It is nearly Halloween, so it seems appropriate to feature crows. After all, they group in "a murder of crows", right? However, I want to share something that is not frightening that I see every evening, flocks flying over my house, on their way to downtown Denver for the night. According to WorldBirds.com, "this behavior is thought to play an important social role for crows, helping them exchange information, look for mates, and generally socialize. There may be other reasons for crows to gather as well, including funeral behavior, feeding, and social gatherings." This site explains more if you are interested.
In the early evening, I watch to see the crows flying over. There aren't many at a time but they usually keep coming for about fifteen minutes. Here's a video of the conclave in our downtown, then my poem and my picture capture of a few from my own backyard.
Happy Halloween!
Wow, the crows flying like that is quite humbling, perhaps we could take some cues from them… Yes, as your poem suggests, I think we all might be "better together" now it's just getting there… Thanks Linda, Happy Halloween!
ReplyDeleteThis is fascinating about the crow fly over. We have crows gather on the playground and chatter. I love "better together." Aren't we all? Happy Halloween!
ReplyDeleteI just took Cornell's Bird Lab crow class. So interesting! They talked some about roosts (where crows gather) and said that it's not the same group of crows every night. Everybody knows where to go, so they just show up when they feel like it. Otherwise they stay home with the fam. Happy Halloween, Linda, and happy voting!
ReplyDeleteThat’s so neat! I love learning about crows! They are so much more than simple black birds. I want to join the jam! Linda M
ReplyDeleteLinda, I have never seen such a large group of crows as shown in the video. We have a couple of them flying over the community. something cool happened last weekend. My oldest grand was playing with the next door neighbor's grandson when about 3 crows were in the sky. Sierra had a duck whistle and Grayson had another little horn so they kept blowing them. They ended up having a conversation with the birds, back and forth. It was a fun jamboree. Your poem shows the crows excitement to be social beings.
ReplyDeleteThe video, your poem and picture set the scene well for Halloween, Linda. I agree, 'better together' - especially in a 'crowbar'. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone and Happy Friday. It is lovely to look forward to the crows' flight every evening. Tabatha, I love that you took that class, had no idea there is that possibility!
ReplyDeleteI used to be afraid of crows but after observing them in our yard and learning more about them, I'm fascinated by them and amazed at their intelligence. We can learn much from their social behavior of exchanging information for the good of all. What also impressed me is that they can count, and they're able to distinguish one human face from another (we don't all look alike to them!). Thanks for your poem, video and photo. How lucky you are to see them flying over your house at dusk! Happy Halloween! ~ Jama
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jama. Yes, I know about the faces, not sure I remember about the counting. We too soon dismiss the knowledge of the animal world. I remember watching ravens when on a hike with students, working together to help another who seemed to be in need. Glad you enjoyed my sharing. I'm sure there is more for us to learn.
DeleteThat's a great haiku; I love the crow hangout/evening jam. I can picture it.
ReplyDeleteI find your story and the night view of the crows over Denver so moving. It's awe inspiring to see birds and animals living alongside human infrastructure, how they just keep on and do what ever it is they do. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteWe have umpteen billion crows here in this valley, and some people consider them a problem. I guess it never occurred to me to dislike them; they're loud, sure, but I think they're just opinionated like everything else. I think it's wise to take some cues from them - to haunt our usual meet-up places when we need each other.
ReplyDeleteYou have added to my knowledge and understanding of crows, Linda. I shall investigate further, such is my curiosity. Like you I live in an area where crows are in plentiful supply and among my collection of written poems are a couple where crows receive more than a passing mention.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the crow info and poem, Linda. I think crows are so impressive! During the pandemic, when Randy and I lunched in a cemetery several times a week, crow-watching was a favorite activity...
ReplyDeleteO! I luv your post about crows. I have long admired the lyrical picture book MERRY CHRISTMAS, MERRY CROW by Kathy Appelt & Jon Goodell, which illuminates the sharp eye-sight & nature of crows to collect & save items. Appreciations for this avian adventure dear Linda.
ReplyDeleteThanks again to all! It seems that everyone has a crow story, our own Crow Fest!
ReplyDeleteLinda, it is so fun to think about crows together ... It's only been in the past several years that crows have shown up in our mountain forest - noisy, out of place. And occasionally a "murder" of them! I've wondered if they put the word out to their friends... "better together" ?? lol
ReplyDeleteI love this as I love crows! Their evening jam is the best.
ReplyDeleteCrows are AMAZING and fascinating. And I love your take on their gathering. Lucky you to be part of the evening jam every night.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia, Jone, & Karen. It seems we all love crows and their amazing habits!
ReplyDeleteI don't know who 'anonymous' is but yes, I have & love Merry Christmas, Merry Crow! Thanks for the reminder!
Beautiful! I hope Denver is making space for the crows, and not working to eradicate them from the downtown!
ReplyDeleteI have not heard anything about them doing that, Mary Lee. Will keep a lookout!
Delete"Better together", lots of wisdom in those two words. Our crows used to open lunch boxes when I taught 3rd grade. We solved the problem by having students stow their lunch boxes in a big plastic bin with a cover after lunch and during lunch recess.
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