Crow Family Returns A Woman's Kindness By Giving Her Some Special Gifts
Crows and ravens are linked to witches in literature and are considered ominous. The majority of people believe they steal, consume other birds' eggs, and decrease other bird populations.
However, a new study based on over 326 interactions between corvids and their prey shows that their notoriety is not entirely justified. These blackbirds are the subject of various population control strategies in different environments.
These restrictions are justified by the notion that killing them will benefit other birds. They are also thought to be effective predators capable of depleting prey populations.
But in a study of six corvid species, it was revealed that corvids did not have a noticeable impact on their prey. In fact, 6% of the cases observed were considered beneficial.
So perhaps crows aren't as bad as we thought they would be. A woman even had a good experience with these blackbirds.
Tango Steinke learned she had some noisy neighbors when she moved into her townhouse in Virginia. Doc and Dottie, a couple of crows she named, had taken up residence behind her house and claimed the surrounding area as theirs.
Steinke decided to befriend her new neighbors in her own way—by sharing her peanuts with them.
The woman thought that she might as well include crows since she's feeding the other wild animals, including squirrels and other birds.
Winter came, and the crow couple couldn't find enough food.
Doc and Dottie began visiting Steinke almost every day. While the crows wouldn't go near her, they would still consume the peanuts once she went inside her house.
Visits were regularly made during the first month. Finally, they even became comfortable enough to announce their arrival.
The crow couple would caw at her bedroom window as they waited for her to wake up and feed them. At times, they would even bring their crow friends along.
But what's surprising is that these crows know how to show appreciation. They gifted Steinke with a gray pebble.
The crows have brought different kinds of gifts since then. She found metal bits, an old marble, soda tabs, pottery scraps, acorns, and a button.
Usually, about once a month, I’ll find something in the feeder from them.
The gifts are not just the items that the crow couple brought.
Last spring, Steinke noticed a newcomer during their feeding time. It's a young crow!
Doc and Dottie brought their baby with them. The family of crows is no longer just her neighbors.
They've grown close.
The crows even accompany them to the bus stop in the morning.
In case one of her children falls down, the friendly crows would make an alarm call. It seems that the blackbirds don't trust her much when it comes to parenting her kids.
The crows will always be near Steinke and her children whenever they're outside. According to her, it's been two years since their friendship was formed.
Perhaps it's time to change our perception of crows.
It's not just cats and dogs that can befriend humans. Even in their own way, crows are capable of forming warm friendships with us.
It's time to show people how awesome crows can be. Share this post with friends and family.
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