A Crow Fly-by

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!


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Where I've Never Been Before

Look past that fallen tree, down to the water of the lake in the background. That closer water is a creek that feeds the lake. It is down a steep drop off, and I have never been down there, until now!

I searched and searched until I found a good path to get down there. I have never seen another living persone down there at that place. Only ducks and geese. That only made me want to go down there even more.

So there I was, down the side. I was standing by the side of this creek, looking out at the lake and everything surrounding it. There were no ducks or geese here this time, but I was here. I found no human footprints anywhere.

Do you know what it feels like to set foot on a place where you know nobody ever goes. Even if you're not the first, you know you won't be bothered, and this is a real adventure. To go off the path can be a very good thing in the right conditions.

This picture is from the same spot. I'm just looking in the other direction. The creek goes up until I can't see it anymore. I thought about finding the source, but I decided that just being in this place was enough for today.

There will be another day when I travel up this creek to find where it comes from, and then there will be another great adventure. I can only imagine what wonders await me there. Maybe I'll find gold and treasure. Maybe I'll only find more trees and plants. Either is good.

After my daydreaming it was time to go back to civilization. I went back up the hill to deal with the people who come through here walking their dogs. What a mundane thought. But at least I was down there where no one had gone before. It was thrilling!

Yup, I'm an adventurer. I adventured. It may not change the world, but it certainly changed me just a little bit.


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