Today’s images feature an American Crow. I photographed one in a soybean field at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. I photographed the other near the Ouachita National Forest here in Arkansas.
My Encounters with the American Crow
I have never really written about my relationship with the American Crow, even though these birds seem to show up everywhere I go. I first noticed this years ago while hiking in the Ouachita National Forest. While moving deeper into the woods and farther from any road, the crows still stayed close. Their calls followed me from ridge to ridge, and over time I started to expect their company.
Crows Close to Home
My connection with crows continued once I got home. I even had a nesting pair in my yard one year. One of the fledglings came down for a short visit, which gave me a rare close look at a young crow:
American Crow Fledgling.
Campground Companions
I also see them when I camp. This is not surprising because crows know how to check campsites for food. During one hot camping trip, I photographed a crow eating ice to cool off: American Crow Eating Ice.
Always Within Earshot
Even my friends notice the pattern. A friend in Utah once told me they could often hear crows calling in the background when we talked on the phone. The sound has become a familiar part of my outdoor routine.
Crow Intelligence and Behavior
Crows are well known for their intelligence. People sometimes feed them, and the birds bring small objects back as gifts. I have never tried that myself, but I enjoy watching how they interact with each other. Their curiosity is strong, and they pay close attention to what is happening around them.
Why I Think Crows Are Drawn to Me
Here are a couple of reasons I think this keeps happening:
- Crows are intelligent and curious birds. They often watch people and other animals, so their interest may simply draw them closer.
- Crows also communicate in complex ways. They may be interacting with me in their own crow language.
I know this might sound unusual, and some people may think I have spent too much time in the woods. Even so, I find their company comforting. Wherever I go with my camera, the crows seem to show up. Their sharp eyes and social behavior remind me of the wild places I care about. Over the years, they have become part of my photography experience.
Photography Notes
Image Information (First Image):
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 800
- ISO: 1600
- Aperture: 11
- Shutter: 1/2000
- Exp. Comp.: -0.3
This crow post is wonderful. So are the images!