It worked! and a closer look at Crows

Making Days Count 53

Well, it worked! The sun returned...but brought the wind with it. That wasn't part of the request. However, a bright blustery day stirs up the waves, so out I went... in the car.

Whitecaps were roiling, with the picturesque snow-capped mountains adding another layer of white. Obligingly, a seagull flew into the scene :)

I drove out to my favorite place. When the tide is out, of course the birds are out there with it and for the most part all I saw was a vista a bezillions rocks to trundle across.

A couple of Merganzers were floating along, but as I got closer they flew off.

A gusty day blows the clouds about, but they managed to pluck up some courage, gather themselves together and embrace the colourful sunset.

No use being inside when the sun shines :)

Mo mentioned in a comment that she was interested in hearing more about the remarkable memory of crows, after I mentioned in my recent post, Capers in the Park, that I am particularly kind to crows, especially after seeing a documentary. 

Just across the US border at the University of Washington in Seattle, Professor John M. Marzluff has been studying corvids for many years, and his interest and experiences evolved into a book, "In the Company of Crows and Ravens" co-authored by Tony Angell. Their study group banded 7 crows to follow their whereabouts, and what ensued was amazing. Here is a link to an interview with Professor Marzluff. There is an excerpt from the book here.

A one hour "Nature of Things", CBC documentary was aired last fall (which I may have mentioned in a previous post): "Murder of Crows" which follows the crow study and I found it absolutely fascinating. I have been able to find the link online if you are interested.

A Murder of Crows is a visually stunning one-hour documentary that offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the inner life of one of the most intelligent, playful and mischievous species on the planet - the common crow. It is also a film that explores a unique pairing of science and cinema as world-renowned scientists, including crow expert Professor John Marzluff, joins forces with an award-winning camera team to explore the secret world of crows. A scientific exploration with a compelling twist, the film is a visually stunning HD documentary that reveals new insights and understanding into this haunting and elusive species.

There is also a TED talk by Joshua Klein on the intelligence of crows, and the Vending Machine he created, with a four step plan.

That's enough cawing for now :)