It's a Crow's Life

My family has always had an affinity for the Corvus family of crows and ravens.

Many cultures throughout the ages have tales of mystery and lore that surround these highly intelligent and fascinating birds, but it is their strong dedication to family as well as their unique trait of collecting objects that attracted me to them.

Like the majority of my family, crows and ravens often stay in the surrounding area to be close enough to help after leaving the nest.
As protectors to the family unit, they spend their lives working together to rear the young, gather food, keep watch, and warn of threats.

I have read that you never want to anger them, as they have the ability to recognize faces and will teach specific calls to future generations dedicated to those that are friends or foes.
So be a friend!

There's just something about their presence.
They're always watching and observant, quietly taking in what is happening around them until something evokes action, then their vocal cries band together and are heard in unison.

Much like my kin, these birds will tend to keep to themselves in rather small, closely-tied groups for the most part, but show social interaction while gathering around a source of food - which I can relate to!

I have to say that one of their characteristics that speaks to my experience with them and my family is the time and great care they put into building and tending their nests.
They take time to gather items that provide comfort for them and their young.
They have been observed collecting things that seem to catch their eye and tend to choose shiny objects over duller ones.
For me, there is nothing better than surrounding the ones you love with comfort and some sparkly pretties to spruce up the nest!

Over the years, I've been privileged to have had interactions with these special birds who have raised their offspring nearby.
They come and make their presence known until I bring them a special treat.
It's a wonderful feeling to look out and see that they trust me enough to bring their young here.

Not too long ago, I found a perfect, shiny black feather left behind by one of them.
Grateful for the gift, I lovingly placed it in my nest.
It reminds me of my connection to family both here and gone, to be observant, and to seek out the sparkly, light-filled objects, and moments in life.