Hi, Folks,

While out on the Parkway, I recently came upon this American Crow, with what was left of a crawdad in its beak.  Except for the yellow in its eye, the bird is completely black, from the tip of its bill, through iridescent feathers, to the tips of its claws.  The American Crow is omnivorous and very smart and resourceful in seeking sustenance.  For example, crows are capable of fashioning tools to assist in extracting insects from their hiding places.  A short National Geographic video showing these tool-making and using skills may be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZM9GpLXepU

American Crows and humans share a related vulnerability, because crows are highly susceptible to the West Nile virus and are considered a sentinel species for that disease.  If, in some region, the crows are abundant and healthy, then West Nile is probably absent or in remission.  I asked this crow its views on West Nile.  The swift response was a loud, harsh, assertive, “Nevermore!”

Hopefully, we’ll soon be able to join the crow in shouting the same about Covid-19.

Dave
American Crow, American River Parkway    ©David Dawson, 2020