CROWS AND RAVENS

Old Trunks is looking for a picture of Tom holding a crow by its wings spread. While most parents insist that once dressed for church, one does not go crow hunting. Yet, this youth, he donned his zippered overshoes and took his 20/20 out to find it.

Crows were more skittish then. They flew quickly if someone was around. Now, driving on the highway at 60 mph, they may not even leave the side of the road. Instead of migrating south, they have learned to eat off fast food wrappers in dumpsters city wide.

When I think about crows, I think about the one Sharon LaCoe had as a pet. I don't know how they acquired it just that it sat on shoulders and the clothes line! According to a study, the crow can be trained to do simple tasks. Crows are like Minor birds, they will repeat what has been said. This can be a fun activity. Use a word like “hello” and repeat it several times. Eventually the bird will imitate it. After the bird successfully repeats the word, choose another one.

Now, crows and ravens are related, I have been told. You can note their particular color. Both are black, but a crow's feathers are a plain, flinty black, and can even have lighter markings. A raven's feathers shine with a blue or purple tint when the sun hits them. Crows can fluff their feathers into a mane to show off, while a raven's individual feathers are larger and pointier. Finally, if you see the bird with its tail spread, a crow's tail curves evenly like a seashell while the tail of a raven meets at a triangular point.One of their most interesting differences is in their vocalizations. If you have dissuaded birds from hanging around by propping up clothing stuffed with straw, you know how annoying and repetitive the caws of a crow sound. However, a raven's voice varies, able to imitate other birds and animals. You might call a raven's call hoarser and less refined than a crow's, but it isn't as irritating.

Does that help? I hope so.

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