CAW!

Recently (sort of) I've moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota (Which is why I have not posted. Don't fret!) . It's been a bit of a culture shock - going from sunny Florida to the Arcti-- I mean... Minnesota. I have been missing many important pieces of my personal life since I have moved; all of them being nature related. The biggest one, I'd have to say, is wildlife.

I'm unable to venture out of the cities and into the great woods and lakes that the state is known for. The city does not have much to offer. Bitter cold chases away all my beloved critters. My friends say I am not looking hard enough, and perhaps I'm not. However, the city does have plenty of hawks. Lots of hawks in which my small parrot panics and flock-calls at frequently. Poor bird.

Yet just as I was thinking that piece to my heart was left behind, as if they knew, the crows came. Thousands of them perched on every branch and wire and windowsill as far as you can pan. It's such a thrill to see!

Smarts are what I've always cherished crows and ravens for. And boy are they smart, flocking like this. Safety in numbers, that's for sure. What predator wants to mess with thousands of crows? The eats are perfect and the options for a mate are plentiful. Why not?

Crows and ravens have a lot of stigma to them, but no need to fear. These birds are fun and would rather watch you as you do them than harm you.

Just don't drop the bread!

Here's some articles and information:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/12/07/minnesota-sounds-voices-crows-in-minneapolis

http://www.twincitiesnaturalist.com/2010/02/why-do-crows-roost-in-cities.html