What's all the crowing about ... do the research to know what you're writing about

When I decided to do a post about crows, I realized there were myths and stereotypes about crows I didn't understand.

I wondered ... Why do crows have such a bad rap?

Did the sight of my cut-out crow in the bush give you the shivers?

Is it because they're big and black and fly in large, boisterous groups.

Maybe it's the call of the crow.

Ca-caw.

When I made cut-out crow silhouettes for Halloween decorations I decided to do the research. Why are they symbols of this ghoulish holiday?

For one thing, they're scavengers. They eat dead things. Yes, that's creepy.

Ca-caw.

And the silhouette ... a crow in cemetery on a gravestone.

Spooky.

But really, they go to the cemetery to perch in the tall trees, and feed on insects where the grass is mowed ... easy pickings.
And bad optics ... gravestones and silhouettes.

Ca-caw.

Or maybe it's because they remember faces.

Oh, yes, do something nasty to a crow and it will remember you ... and tell its friends. No hiding from a crow.

Ca-caw. Ca-caw.

So that's the rap. But it's not the whole story.

Sure, they'll hold a grudge if they are treated poorly, but likewise ... do something nice for a crow and it will remember that. But beware, I'm not sure a good deed will cancel the bad ... they remember.

Ca-caw.

They help one another, travel in family flocks, are loyal partners, and use tools like sticks to get things done.

Crows are smart. Really smart.

Ca-caw. Ca-caw.

The question is ... are we smart enough to push aside the myth and bad optics to see them for what they are ... big beautiful birds.

Happy Halloween!