Two Wichita Mountains crows followed me back to my truck during a hike at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Before they took an interest in me, I watched them bother a Red-tailed Hawk perched in a tree.
Wichita Mountains Crows Bothering a Hawk
I stopped to watch the pair of American Crows bothering the hawk. After a few minutes, the hawk left the area.
Once it flew away, I continued my hike. Then I noticed the two crows following me.
I don’t know why they stayed with me, but I welcomed the chance to photograph them. I enjoy seeing American Crows and seldom pass up an opportunity to get a photo.
Two Crow Portraits Along My Hike
During the walk, I managed a quick photograph of each crow perched in a tree. Both birds chose bare branches, with blue sky behind them.
The first photograph shows one crow facing left, its feet wrapped around a slender branch. The second shows the other bird facing right from a thicker, broken limb.
These were quick opportunities during my hike. The crows stayed with me until I reached the spot where I had parked my truck.
Watching Crows at Doris Campground
Back at Doris Campground, where I was staying, I watched a small flock around the campsites. When a camper packed up and left, the crows would fly in and start checking the site.
I enjoyed watching this routine during my stay. Between those campground visits and the pair on my hike, I had several chances to watch crows.
I’ve written about these birds before in My Relationship with the American Crow as a Wildlife Photographer. This encounter gave me another experience to add to that story, along with two photographs.
Wherever I travel, I look forward to seeing American Crows.
Great photos,thank you.