Just think they almost didn't make it! Back in the mid/ late 90s, a big bird flu or something wiped out almost all the crows in orange county, maybe even southern CA. I remember bawling! I also remember prior to the "extinction" event, the SIZE of them! I sware I seen several giant crows that stood at least 2.5' tall and were so girthy, they waddled instead of walked and all other crows would chant for the big one when there was possible trouble on the ground and when he arrived, all the others, still rhythmically crowing, would separate creating a zipper like lane for crow daddy to waddle through and up to whatever "danger" so worried them all(usually just me and a friend rolling up during 1st period and sitting in a car). Biggie would then turn his head sideways to examine us for a minute and then usually he'd walk away or wait for food. Anyways... after the bird flu really started wiping them out, the big ones went first sadly. I still haven't seen the giant sizes as 25-30 years ago BUT I've noticed they're getting closer... I think like over 90% of them perished while the ones who survived would go on to pass their IMMUNITIES onto the next generations , until now.
Also, crows act as parking lot cleaners by eating all the wasted fast food people just throw in the street and lots. They're getting smarter. I have several that go back and forth from my house to my friends a couple blocks over. I used t0 feed one snail's and he/ she ended up bringing 2 others and then the entire family. They'd bring me little trinkets as gifts. Little shiny baubles and scraps of discarded things. I have a bird bath and so many different birds stop by. Also there's a female hummingbird that's gotta be AT LEAST 13 years old. She's a little terror who lives in the ancient avocado tree behind my house. Funny thing is she waits for the sugar water feeder to condense and "liquor up" before she partakes, then she defends it with a callous ruthlessness that makes tasmanian devil's seem tame. One rainy day I watched her bathe under a tiny leaf waterfall. She rolled around on a hibiscus leaf while the leaf above acted as a waterfall pouring water down. It was the coolest thing... next to watching her and her bf sky dance. One morning as she was perched on the highest leafless peach tree branch, her "man" came zooming speed of light fast right into her but at that moment, she lifted in flight and pressing into the Male as he pressed back, twirled super fast around each other straight up about 20 feet. Picture a spinning barber's pole but super fast and much taller. It happened so fast I couldn't believe it. They're in love for sure. She's already birthed multiple little hummies from him. He doesn't migrate south like the others and he's the only one allowed to drink from HER nectar spots. Her family and ancestors have been living in that tree for before I was born and im already 46.
We used to have mourning doves make nest and give birth but I haven't seen any for several years. Black phoebe's make mud nests on the highest area's of my house but one day I accidentally blasted the nest with a hose and scared the poor thing away. That was 2 years ago and she's only recently started coming back. The hawks love them.
I have been entertaining neighborhood crows, usually two or three at a time, in my small Olympia WA yard for ten years now. Occasionally, three or four at a time will arrive until I have a dozen or more and they definitely take on a different, somewhat menacing, character en masse.
Great job! Took me way too long to get to it, but well worth the wait. I, too, have a love affair with birds. :-) Hope all is going well with the move.
Did you know ... a gathering of crows is called a murder? Interesting tidbit to ponder on your way back to Jersey. Safe travels my friend and enjoy the ride!
Louise! So lovely to hear from you. I knew that, but couldn't quite figure out how to fit that tidbit in. I probably should've pondered a bit more. I'm so pleased and appreciative that you took the time to read this. I hope to keep you engaged and reading (and commenting)!
I was also wondering about trying to not get pooped on! I love watching birds too; my garden here in Switzerland is a constant source of entertainment!
Honestly, Francesca, I was afraid it was going to be like dancing between raindrops. I'm not at all sure how we managed it. I've lived in three different places in the last five years, and the birds have captivated me with each move. Would love to know which of your garden residents is your favorite!
This is not a real reason, but I like the folk tale that they're called a murder because a group of crows would gather to decide the fate of another crow (which was often death).
They murder hawks sadly. Its hard t0 watch. A group of crows will harass and tired out a hawk until it either leaves or has to land due to exhaustionand then they proceed to murder it. They only do it in groups
Just think they almost didn't make it! Back in the mid/ late 90s, a big bird flu or something wiped out almost all the crows in orange county, maybe even southern CA. I remember bawling! I also remember prior to the "extinction" event, the SIZE of them! I sware I seen several giant crows that stood at least 2.5' tall and were so girthy, they waddled instead of walked and all other crows would chant for the big one when there was possible trouble on the ground and when he arrived, all the others, still rhythmically crowing, would separate creating a zipper like lane for crow daddy to waddle through and up to whatever "danger" so worried them all(usually just me and a friend rolling up during 1st period and sitting in a car). Biggie would then turn his head sideways to examine us for a minute and then usually he'd walk away or wait for food. Anyways... after the bird flu really started wiping them out, the big ones went first sadly. I still haven't seen the giant sizes as 25-30 years ago BUT I've noticed they're getting closer... I think like over 90% of them perished while the ones who survived would go on to pass their IMMUNITIES onto the next generations , until now.
Also, crows act as parking lot cleaners by eating all the wasted fast food people just throw in the street and lots. They're getting smarter. I have several that go back and forth from my house to my friends a couple blocks over. I used t0 feed one snail's and he/ she ended up bringing 2 others and then the entire family. They'd bring me little trinkets as gifts. Little shiny baubles and scraps of discarded things. I have a bird bath and so many different birds stop by. Also there's a female hummingbird that's gotta be AT LEAST 13 years old. She's a little terror who lives in the ancient avocado tree behind my house. Funny thing is she waits for the sugar water feeder to condense and "liquor up" before she partakes, then she defends it with a callous ruthlessness that makes tasmanian devil's seem tame. One rainy day I watched her bathe under a tiny leaf waterfall. She rolled around on a hibiscus leaf while the leaf above acted as a waterfall pouring water down. It was the coolest thing... next to watching her and her bf sky dance. One morning as she was perched on the highest leafless peach tree branch, her "man" came zooming speed of light fast right into her but at that moment, she lifted in flight and pressing into the Male as he pressed back, twirled super fast around each other straight up about 20 feet. Picture a spinning barber's pole but super fast and much taller. It happened so fast I couldn't believe it. They're in love for sure. She's already birthed multiple little hummies from him. He doesn't migrate south like the others and he's the only one allowed to drink from HER nectar spots. Her family and ancestors have been living in that tree for before I was born and im already 46.
We used to have mourning doves make nest and give birth but I haven't seen any for several years. Black phoebe's make mud nests on the highest area's of my house but one day I accidentally blasted the nest with a hose and scared the poor thing away. That was 2 years ago and she's only recently started coming back. The hawks love them.
You certainly know your OC birds!
I love that reserve! Such a contrast to the urbanity in which it sits. Thanks for focusing on one of the many bird species there.
There are so many great ones, aren't there? Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment! Hope we can meet up there to walk again someday!
I have been entertaining neighborhood crows, usually two or three at a time, in my small Olympia WA yard for ten years now. Occasionally, three or four at a time will arrive until I have a dozen or more and they definitely take on a different, somewhat menacing, character en masse.
It's almost as if they all watched a movie about a menacing flock of birds! 😂
Thanks so much for reading, Dee!
Very entertaining in so many parts and a fabulous article!
Very entertaining in parts and this one was fabulous!
Great job! Took me way too long to get to it, but well worth the wait. I, too, have a love affair with birds. :-) Hope all is going well with the move.
Did you know ... a gathering of crows is called a murder? Interesting tidbit to ponder on your way back to Jersey. Safe travels my friend and enjoy the ride!
Louise! So lovely to hear from you. I knew that, but couldn't quite figure out how to fit that tidbit in. I probably should've pondered a bit more. I'm so pleased and appreciative that you took the time to read this. I hope to keep you engaged and reading (and commenting)!
I was also wondering about trying to not get pooped on! I love watching birds too; my garden here in Switzerland is a constant source of entertainment!
Honestly, Francesca, I was afraid it was going to be like dancing between raindrops. I'm not at all sure how we managed it. I've lived in three different places in the last five years, and the birds have captivated me with each move. Would love to know which of your garden residents is your favorite!
I always enjoyed California birds when I lived out there, too. And what an impressive feat in avoiding being pooped on!
Downright miraculous, honestly!
Hadn't thought about that, but yes, just like my daughter.
Just keep going with your writing. This one was short and very entertaining - the kind I like best.
Short and entertaining...like your daughter? 😂
Once again very funny, amusing and delightful!
Thank you, Iris!
Another good one. Just keep writing. My oldest daughter has a wonderful talent that should be widely shared.
Thanks, Mom! 🥰
Sweet and funny. I still wonder why a group of them are called a "murder" of crows. Hmmm.
This is not a real reason, but I like the folk tale that they're called a murder because a group of crows would gather to decide the fate of another crow (which was often death).
They murder hawks sadly. Its hard t0 watch. A group of crows will harass and tired out a hawk until it either leaves or has to land due to exhaustionand then they proceed to murder it. They only do it in groups
Really glad it's not a real reason, Joey! But thanks for the bonus Fun Fact!
Thank you! I wish I knew why too. I also wish I could've found a way to work that fun fact in, but I just couldn't.
Gorgeous piece of writing my friend
… looking forward to dispatches from your next adventure xxx
Thank you, Judy!
I so enjoyed this, Amanda, you're a riot! And isn't life like walking on the thin line between terrifying and fascinating, after all?
Exactly, Portia!! Thanks so much for reading!