I always have enjoyed the company of crows. Back in my jogging days one or two would follow me along my route - diving, dipping, and yacking all the way. Crows are said to be extremely intelligent birds; a mother of one of my 5th grade students once nursed an injured crow back to health and, even though released back to nature, that crow became her friend for life. Crows are also extremely curious and love shiny trinkets; if you can sniff out a crow's nest you might just find some fine silver bauble woven into the nest's structure of sticks and straw.
But alas... crows are a misunderstood bunch and are seen by many as evil. Some of this stems from their intelligence - if you mistreat a crow he/she will remember you forever. From sitting in a near-by tree giving you the sinister "evil-eye" to a swooping attack from the sky. Crow-myths also abound - the web site "Squidoo" reveals that "Crows are viewed as a bad omen, often foretelling death. It is said if they 'caw', death is very near." Based on what's going on in my backyard right now, best be saying my good-byes to y'all.
One of the main reasons crows gained their fame for evil doings was because, like vultures, they eat dead animals - to include humans. Schedule a good old fashioned battle with swords, broadaxes, and lots of carnage and very soon after the dust settles the body-strewn fields will be visited by flocks of hungry crows nipping and tucking at our succulent body parts.
One of the main reasons crows gained their fame for evil doings was because, like vultures, they eat dead animals - to include humans. Schedule a good old fashioned battle with swords, broadaxes, and lots of carnage and very soon after the dust settles the body-strewn fields will be visited by flocks of hungry crows nipping and tucking at our succulent body parts.
It is amazing to me how such an intelligent and proud looking avian garnered such a sordid reputation; some quick research uncovered the following.
Celtic Warriors: The Celts believed a crow was sacred and the Celtic term for crow indicated a massive flesh wound as a result of battle - they honored their scars from battle. As the crow eats human carcasses, Celtic poetry uses the metaphor "the crow pierced you" to mean thatyou have likely died. To the Celts crows were a sign of evil while the elegant swan symbolized the opposite - purity.
Greek Mythology: The Greeks took a less evil view of the crow and thought this bird was just a bit too gossipy. Athena replaced him with the wise owl to stay by her side. This seems to have translated into the rather sexist reference to gossipy women who are occasionally referred to as "Old Crows."
Biblical Reference: The crow also appears in the Bible and this intelligent bird was sent by Noah to search the earth after the flood. The crow, however, did not reveal to Noah the flood was finished. Because of this crows are considered selfish and secretive.
So what's my point? Good & Evil, Plus & Minus, Black &White, Puss & Boots, Rock & Roll... no real point and no deep thoughts on this one. I saw this gaggle of crows and reacted in a positive way. They were such a neat little family as they rousted around my backyard.
I would like to leave you on a positive note with a recommended video from the PBS Nature series; entitled "A Murder of Crows" it will give you an entirely new perspective on this wonderful bird. Link follows: PBS "A Murder of Crows
