Thoughts and Crows

I got thinking about the name of my blog, Thoughts and Crows and so on...and really, I rather like it. At the time I named it that for want of something better to call it, and it turns out that the name is appropriate and I am glad it popped into my head. Lots of things pop into my head, but that is fodder for another blog at another time!

I thought I might talk about crows in this blog, since they have been on my mind more than usual of late. I always find it amusing when people ask me why I like them so much. I mean, I don't go around asking people why they like their husbands so much, or their boots or their dress. I just assume there is something about that person or thing they like and I don't usually give it another thought. I find people don't know how to take my fascination with my corvid friends and they are bursting at the seams with questions and wonderment. Well, I just don't get it myself. I don't get their disbelief and I don't understand their fear of these beautiful birds either. I suppose we can all just agree to disagree on this one!

I am in the midst of reading a wonderful book, In the Company of Crows and Ravens. It is not only a book that gives scientific proof of their intelligence and culture, but is also respectful of those who just love these fascinating birds and speaks in everyday language to all of us who just want to learn more. It was written by a man who has done some wonderful research at the University of Washington, John Marzluff. His documentary on The Nature of Things about crow behavior was fascinating and if you get a chance to see it, you must indulge! It's highly informative and will help you understand the intelligence these birds demonstrate. I used to think the birds followed me around, and truthfully, I wasn't sure if it was true until I saw his show. Then I realized they DO recognize me and they DO recognize my car. I think of them more as friends than scientific research, and what's nice about Mr. Marzluff is he seems to understand that and I think he also has a broad view of these birds that isn't restricted to his scientific study. I like that.

I sent him an e-mail yesterday about my crows and I was so thrilled when he wrote back to me. His words were brief, but he was appreciative of my e-mail and I certainly was glad to hear back from him, no matter how short his note. When he said, "good luck with your crows"...well...that was cool. They really are, in a way, mine and I am theirs. We live in this mutual consideration of each other and I enjoy our interactions very much. I hope they always follow me around, as it makes me feel like I'm not quite so alone, even when I am.

It's funny where one might find a friend. Sometimes we have to open our eyes and hearts and find friendship in the most unlikely of places.

They are mine, and I am theirs, and that's just the way I like it.