The bird in this picture looks big, doesn't it? That's because it is a good sized bird. It was a crow that I was lucky enough to catch in mid-flight. I've been trying to get pictures of a crow for weeks now. They aren't easy because they're so smart.
Did you know that crows are now believed by many scientists to possibly be the second most intelligent creatures on the planet? They're only behind humans. That's right. Not even chimps or dolphins are as intelligent as these birds. Bird brains? That term now takes on a whole new meaning.
If you'd like to learn more about the intelligence of crows I have a new video up over at
Nature Center Magazine that talks about it. This is part one of a six part full documentary about crows. Each part is about ten minutes long. It's maybe the best video we've had. Go take a look.
The crow in my picture is probably one of those smart ones too. Maybe they'll take over one of these days. They may be smart enough. Did you know they make their own tools? They are also excellent at problem solving, better than apes.
I spotted this crow when I first got to the park. I was standing beside my truck when I took this picture. I really love getting pictures right of the bat when I get to a place. Wouldn't you?
Okay, that's my story. I'm outta here!
Nature Center Magazine - Your starting place for nature!
That's very interesting about the crow and what a great shot you got of it too! It's very hard to get a good picture of a bird in flight! I'm off to view the video and will definitely share how smart crows are on my Friday "Things We Learned This Week" post with a link back here or to you video.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever seen when a crow discovers an owl roosting? They have a radar that brings in crows from all over to dismiss this poor owl from their area.
ReplyDeleteAny animal that can make humans build silly effigies of themselves just for the amusement of the animal, with no effectiveness at deterring the animal from it's desired dinner has to be smart! :-)
ReplyDeleteI have read about some serious crow intelligence.
We have lots of crows near us and I love to see them all flocked together...I know a lot of people see them as a bad omen but I am always happy to have them around cleaning up the carcasses!!
ReplyDeleteAs you know I am a huge fan of both crows and ravens. They were revered by many Native Americans as spirit guides. Europeans disdained this bird and killed it for almost no reason at all by the thousands. And now we are finding out that it is worthy of our praise. Not too much wondering about who should have been listened to in those early days!
ReplyDeleteMy husband would agree with this, he's always talking about how smart the crows are. He feeds several of them at work when he's on his lunch and break. He's said that they are so used to him that they'll almost walk right up to him.
ReplyDelete@Karen and Gerard
ReplyDeleteCrows can be very interesting where their intelligence is concerned. I only learned of it since I've been blogging, and now I'm fascinated.
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@Out on the prairie
It sounds kind of cruel, but I'm sure the crows have a good reason of their own for doing this.
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@Sharkbytes
Yeah, it seems our ancestors knew of crows intelligence, so it makes me wonder why it has become such a new surprise to scientists.
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@Allotments4you
I only knew of the bad omen thing too until I began learning a bit about them. There are many cultures that see crows as very good things. It's very interesting.
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@Wild Bill
I thought of you when I wrote this post. I wonder if Europeans disliked them more than people like Native Americans because they were more city oriented. I can understand a little bit why a city person might not get along with certain wild animals than a person who doesn't need the city. I have an odd perspective of being very strongly from both backgrounds.
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@Ann
My dad told me a similar story of a crow that became his friend. He would feed it because his mom used to feed it. The crow actually followed him when he moved.
Crows are amazingly smart. I have seen them chase Hawks though the woods and scatter when they see someone with a rifle or shotgun. I'm off to see that video! Oh...super flight shot. They are hard to capture.
ReplyDelete@Jean
ReplyDeleteThe video will show you more of what you've seen, and then some more good stuff. I've been learning about these birds even through the comments.
Those are great crow photos, but I must confess, they unnerve me. Even though they are not birds of prey, like hawks, they are still awfully big and I always think they are up to something. Perhaps I am right.
ReplyDeleteI had learned many years ago about the intelligence of crows and/or ravens. They seem to be a bit evil to me, because of poetry and tales I've read. I always visit the ravens at the Tower of London when I am in that part of England as they are most important to the crown!
ReplyDeleteI have rarely been successful capturing a bird in flight. As I sit patiently, with neck tilted, they often leave droppings on me. Frustrating! Their aim is perfect, mine isn't.