Befriending Crows

 

Every bird, every tree, every flower reminds me what a privilege it is just to be alive.

Marty Rubin

I sit here at this little kitchen table looking out the small window that overlooks some lovely old Blue Spruce and Silver Birch trees in the neighbour's yard.  On the branches of the Birch, the pair of crows I recently befreinded are staring in at me...cawing for food.  There is no doubt in my mind that they are communicating with this human.  There behaviour is so similar to that of other crows I have befriended over the years back at the old house. 

Let me define "befriend.

No... they are not sitting on my shoulders, being carried around as I walk around the yard. They are not dropping shiny bling or flowers at my feet to show their appreciation nor are they sitting down to tea with me in the mornings. They are simply aware of my presence and the fact that I can provide food for them. They trust that I will provide food for them. They recognize my physical form. They gradually are learning to trust that this form will not harm them. That my presence in their lives is both safe and beneficial.  They are beginning to communicate with me by cawing at me while remaining within view, telling me that they want food. They also come when I call...not always but many times...and they land closer and closer to me. Eventually, I suspect, they will allow me to get very close without flying away as the other crows I knew did. I very much enjoy befriending these animals at the same time I am very cautious about not putting them at risk or spoiling them or their young with a too easy food supply. They are, after all, beings with their own purpose in life that has nothing to do with me.  They are not in this human's life to serve my ego, curiosity or need for distraction. 

Crows are beautiful social animals.  They mate for life.  This pair of newlyweds will likely be nesting soon.  I have seen them gathering sticks and stuff for their nest...not sure what tree they selected but it is near. Soon the female crow will be hidden away and I will only be seeing the male as he collects food to feed his nesting wife with. If I am lucky, as I was at the other house over the years, I will be introduced to their young and I will be able to watch as they fledge from one branch to the next and eventually as they come down to the ground to be fed by their parents for many weeks before flying off and away forever. It is all so cool.

Ego likes the attention and the way others call me "The Crow lady". I have to be careful with that and remind myself: This getting animals to trust me thing is not important.  Recognizing our interbeingness  is. Being able to befriend the crows reminds me of how wonderful it is to be alive.

All is well.