The Crow that Stayed for Dinner(s). In spring 2009, Corona del Mar struggled through its fourth consecutive year of sparse winter rain. With the local hills July brown; wildlife migrated into the lushly watered green neighborhoods, especially crows. With plenty of food and water, the crows multiplied and were abundant. When the parent crows deem that the time is right, they shove their chicks from the nest; watch them flutter to the ground, then raucously call to them to get them to fly into the trees. One of our neighbors (whom we’ll call Jim to avoid a Fish and Game Department problem) watched this act unfold in his front yard. The first chick flew awkwardly, but safely to the ground. For the second, its first flight was a struggle. The chick could not fully extend its right wing, tumbling in the air and crashing onto the lawn. After a bit, the chick was able to rise to its feet, but was dazed.
The parents called to the first chick, encouraging it to spread its wings. Within moments, it flew into the shrubbery and then, in a series of flights, worked its way into a nearby tree. Once their first chick was safe, the parents flew down to the second chick. Instead of encouraging the chick to fly, they immediately began pecking at the unfortunate creature. Another pair of adult crows soon flew down and joined in the pecking. Jim knew that this was normal crow behavior, but he simply could not watch it take place. He rushed on the patch of grass, showed away the adult crows and picked it the chick. The calls of the other crows then became loud and rapid. Then two of them began swooping, forcing Jim to take the chick into his house.
Jim first gave the chick some water. After drinking a bit, the bird saw a bowl of popcorn on the counter, hopped over and grabbed a couple of pieces. Satiated and tired, the chick found a rag on the counter, hopped over, sat down and then went to sleep. That was all it took. Jim decided to care for the chick until it was strong enough to fly away and live with other crows. But it didn’t happen that way. If you walk by Jim’s house, most days you’ll see the crow sitting on its perch, no restraining device of any type. There’s a bowl of water and a small bowl of food, which Becky (yes, Jim named the crow) seems to enjoy.
When Jim joins Becky on the patio, Becky extends her wings, takes a few beats and alights on his shoulder. Becky then works her way down his arm and asks to be stroked, which Jim does most gently, on her head, wings and chest. Contented, Becky then flutters and putters around the yard, pecking at items of interest, occasionally bring an item to Jim to examine. Invariably another crow or two hovers in a nearby tree, watching Becky, apparently puzzled that a crow would choose to live with a human. Becky’s contact with other crows comes during Jim’s morning run. They start off at first light. Jim runs along the street, while Becky, unfettered, flies from tree to tree. That’s when the other crows in the neighborhood start chasing her, pecking at he tail feathers. When Jim comes to a halt, Becky immediately returns to his shoulder, needing and/or wanting his protection.
Jim and Becky’s partnership makes me wonder about the breadth of animal intelligence, the desire for companionship and the need for purpose. Becky was being rejected and faced death. This is a common trait among certain species, to kill young that would not survive in their natural environment; an act keeps predators from discovering healthy siblings. These deaths assure survival of the fittest.
Becky clearly is aware of the problems she faces among her own kind. Despite her innate fear of humans, she bonded with Jim. He became a surrogate parent and by providing her with shelter and food, she never developed survival skills. Jim’s compassion resulted in the development of a complex and demanding relationship. Becky cannot survive without his constant help and attention. Should Jim fail to provide for her, Becky would die, possibly by acts of her peers or from an inability to obtain food in the wild. If Jim is away from the house for an extended time, Becky becomes nervous or agitated, sometimes even plucking at her feathers.
Jim must awaken with Becky, take his run and be at home in the evening. Becky does not accept substitutes for Jim, even his adult children who would like to care for her. Jim does not know whether Becky can travel, so he has not taken a vacation since their first encounter. What does Jim, a single man, gain from this relationship with an animal? One factor is uniqueness — only a patient and caring man would be willing to accept the obligations of this remarkable relationship. Another is the satisfaction — coming from saving this creature’s life. Parenting of a wild animal that chooses to live with you for now, but is free to go at any time…There are many reasons why the relationship between Becky and Jim works. For me, it’s a pleasure to see this remarkable pair on their patio and to talk to Jim.
For them, I hope that they share many more enjoyable dinners.
Thanks to Ken for writing this article!
