New updates at end of page. … 2024.
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Beginning from memory by Lynne. I had it all typed out in computer and guess what. Through time, lost all copies.
So, now this is 2020, few years later via memory. But it was an enthralling time for me.

—

The First Years observation, year 2014.

… These were many etiquettes with this pair of birds. One such was, no matter what happened with dads day, he was not to disturb mom on nest incubating.
Lots of incidences happened like the squirrel in their nesting tree.
Dad would do fly-bys, (as I call them). He would be flying rather fast on his way to a distant area to meet friends etc.
He would fly by nest rather close and give a half call to mom incubating. She would acknowledge with a sound or not, and he would be off for hours like a bachelor.
… This one time, as he was on a fly-by he caught his eye on a squirrel, right near nest. (I did not see squirrel but did later.) Well, he did an about-face which startled me, for was very sudden and quite the acrobatics in mid air, only a few feet away from me. Quietly he dove into tree right near squirrel. He never called once, for that would disturb mom. He grabbed at this squirrel many times as he shuffled around on branches. I guess trying to get a good angle. (I saw something was there.) Then, in one lunge, he did get its tail I believe, and it fell several feet, as dad went quickly down to lunge again at squirrel. Well that made squirrel drop almost to ground. By this time dad was out of my sight, but now cawing roughly a few times. After a bit all was quiet.
… Now at other times you would see crows cawing at squirrels and maybe one would go near and caw loudly with wings out stretched. But never would they knock it out of tree. That was brave of dad. He is a good provider and protector. He has a lot of worth.

… I remember another time when wind was blowing hard. One of the 3 to 4 bad windstorms we had each year. If you live in Vancouver outskirts you know well what I mean. He was on ground fetching worms for mom who was stuck on nest incubating. Dad was only one to get food to her. He started up circling nest tree-group of about 5 large evergreens. The wind was bad and the rain was coming down strongly, in buckets. With all of this, as flying, he had to grabbed low branches of tree. Then he started cycling up tree bucking the rain and wind as he went. One gust caught him and he flipped over. To right himself he grab another branch that was waving back and forth.
He clung there for a minute. He almost lost control that time and I guess, had to get his bearings again. He did make the jaunt but what a fiasco.

The Strong One.
… I did not see much of nesting in first year, for tree was well needled.
But as coming out of nest from very high in these trees, the young hit the apartment wall in my patio and I went out. As soon as I saw him lying on concrete I stepped back in. Well he righted himself and attempted to fly to planter a yard or so away within my patio. He flew there but lost his footing and fell head first into planter. Ha-Ha. Well he got upright with a struggle and kept flicking wings and turning head as blinking his white eyelids. He was embarrassed as I had seen a crow in embarrassment before.

(That was years ago but a crow was flying to a flat roof top as I was sitting in car. It missed the roof top by an inch and hit the building. Who knows what it was looking at. A perspective mate?? It made a short fly out and back to rooftop again. Well it sat there flicking wings and blinking white eyelids, which I did not know they had, prior.)

… So now back in this time, Young managed to get through the fence to escape my patio and on out across the driveway toward large tree-group.
This is the young that was so strong that dad and he were battling it out many times. Young would also roll about at Holland park with other young birds, Tumble fighting. Have you seen that. Both have wings out and claws entangled. They roll so not always the one was on ground. A bully in my eye, poor parents. Dad and he had many words. Dad would leave mom to deal with it but Young was ok with mom, (outside of mom having to step back when feeding it.) Pushy.
… But later when Young was supposed to leave home, he would come back many times to claim his roof peak. For a few months in summer fall, he would land on roof behind me and deliberately walk up the steep-sloped roof to peak then look about at 930-1030AM. His morning exercise, His lookout post. Even into the next year he went to dad’s now defended territory.
… Well this day, in this next late spring, dad saw him as he had many times. But this time dad flew at him so fast and with just as much determination as young had in past. With that, Young had to flop onto back in order to avoid a collision as Dad divebombed him. Well that scared Young, and he flew away to never return.

(Well, Young of the first season, did return to nesting area 2-3 years later with wife. I heard this commotion and looked out. There were two crows landed on roof back door. They started walking up roof peak but one flew as the other struggled along determinedly up to peak. I knew then, that it was Strong bird.
… Well mom and dad came to roof and cawed as in calling and shuffled feathers as they puffed out feather. When Young got to roof peak he replied like wise. They all sat on roof in their corners for a minute, just looking about with Slowpoke beside mom and dad. There were 5 birds on that small roof peak area, quite a sight for mid-nesting season. But they all knew each and were greeting. Then Strong cawed a few times quietly, and he flew westward with his wife following, and that was it. The other three sat on roof for another minute or so then returned to normal doings. Interesting. That was year after Slowpoke was born.

—

Now Back in Time.
… 2015. This year they nested in top of evergreen, 20 yards away so saw very little.
One day there came such a racket. Looked out and here comes a bald eagle. It landed just above our crow’s nest in their tree and 20 crows were franticly calling and swooping. I felt if they had left it alone it would have flown away. But with the crows diving it, eagle lost its hold on top thin branches
and looked down to get a better hold. Then its actions changed.
It made its way down to nest and had dinner. Well mom and dad were devastated. This was a disastrous year. This was the second nest of that year.
… The first nesting was in June but the weather was so cold they were calling for snow. I watched mom come off nest and thought,
oh boy you better get back soon. Well, I was right. They never hatched. I saw, many had young birds in late fall.
It was not a good year for birds.

Goes as thus;
… One time dad flew by as going off with the other bachelors, but mom gave a half call. As I saw, she had been sitting on branch for a while preening self. Dad came straight into nest without hesitation and looked in putting his head right into nest. The needles were sparse so I saw.
He spent a good minute or two there which was unusual, then he flew away. Mom continued to preen and then left as well.
I went out to watch cause was confused. They met in tree top 20 yards away, then circled that tree, then circled whole general area and left.
I did not see them for days, but when did, they were just sitting about separately with no intent or interest.
… Now when their second bunch of young were eaten by eagle, parents circled very high. Way up so they were small dotes in the sky. I watched as they circles total area twice, then mom went one way and dad went the other. I did not see them for at least two months.
It was too late in season to start again, and that winter they kept a wide birth of whole area.
… They felt fear there in their nesting area, but sometimes mom would go straight into nest site and sit there morning her babies.
Dad was also upset but would not stay. His vibe was like, a letting her morn her young.
Mon would give a gurgling sound, (not the territorial clicks but a more soothing guttural sound).
She would be very depressed, blinking her eyes and being crouched over on branch, having slow deliberate movements. Obviously very distressed.
Who says birds do not have emotions. I felt very sorry for them.

—

This next year, Jumpstart and Slowpoke activities.
The main tree of group was sparse of needles so saw much. Tree dying?

2016. This year was like god was making up.
… Nested in big group of trees, back to where they normally go.
They had three young this time. This time when young coming out of nest, there was something several feet away that I thought was a squirrel. I panicked, then mom came to feed young and went straight to squirrel.
To my relief it was a young, the first to leave nest. Mom then got behind it and kept half cawing. It slowly made its way back to nest and sat beside nest while mom flew away.
… The biggest deal this years was the two of them being guided from the small tree in north into their big bunch of trees in south. Parents and young were sitting in small tree and parents would give a small half call. Then out would come mom and dad with a young between them.
All flew same speed and at same level. It was a great sight.
Humans would have to practice to make this stunt.
But it was majestically preformed twice before my eyes. Superb.
There was a question this year, for when coming from the nest, there were three young, but later there were only two. Who knows??.

–
… There was a strong south easterly wind blowing and the baby crows, just out of nest, were in the group of evergreens. They glided early to big trees only.
They had not shown signs of flight but as mom came toward trees that were blowing much, the more outgoing one of the two young, (later known as Jumpstart for its behavior) flew out first time into the wind. Of course the wind quickly carried it around other side of the 5 big trees and it went fast, too fast.
Mom landed in tree watching. Baby managed to turn in flight, so could fly against the wind toward the trees again. Mom was on that side of trees watching.
Baby got inside tree on a large branch and mom landed a couple of feet from him. Well, this young now called Jumpstart, kept backing up as mom came in aggressively. Baby backed up till almost at the trunk and with mom closing the gap and glaring at him, she stopped for a second, then shoved the food she had, into his bill
and flew off. He stayed there cowering in same position, obviously upset.
… Well, any parent would be upset with that. Baby has wings half-grown and this was first flight I knew of. Baby could have been very easily swept away, as he was for those few seconds, until he had enough mind to change directions and face the wind. As he was floundering around, I thought he was a goner.
Well after this forwardness in habits, which there were several more seen, this young bird flew straight and acted quite mature for his age.
He learned by that mistake. It probably scared him as it did the rest of us.
(Thus I called him Jumpstart, and the other younger one, who was female and backward at that, I called her Slowpoke.)

… As in nesting trees, the young of these pair of crows are able to jump and take small flights.
One time Jumpstart was in north of tree group and Slowpoke was in middle. She wanted to come to him, so she took a small flight and landed right in front of him.
So close that he had to adjust his feet with bills clashing. At this point I had my binoculars going so was close up for this event. They settled with cheeks together but no fighting was had.
Most young would have pecked at this intruder but no, these two were quite close and this incident ended up with each having feathers fluffed out, while nibbling at the others face. Quite cute.
(Later Jumpstart was very mature for his age and left family early, while parents had problems with Slowpoke, on into mid of next years breeding season.}

Still 2016.

… This one time I went to mall. There was Mom landed on lamp post and Slowpoke came and tried landing there as well, demanding food all the while. Mom had troubles staying there for no room, but they did settle.
But cause mom did not produce food, Slowpoke grabbed Mom several times and tried pulling out her feathers.
As seen prior, this happened often in air and on ground. Mom had no time to self but this time on light,
mom turned and poked Slowpoke hard, so Slowpoke was knocked off light and flew away.
… Later in this last season Dad gave up. He had had words with Mom many times but of no avail.
Mom had to care for young, a good mother.
But later on in late sept, Mom and Dad ganged up on Slowpoke. She was not leaving and did not have friends.
… For several mornings I would hear Slowpoke shrieking for Mom but Mom was not there? Eventually Slowpoke stopped Shrieking. But always in late morning into afternoon, mom would show up and was hounded by Slowpoke.
–
… As days went on, I noticed that Mom would come each day later and later till it was late afternoon.
I then, figured what she was doing, which I thought ingenious.
I had wondered how this scenario was going to be solved by birds. This shows their intelligence which is quite unique.
I watched with intrigue. (Through these few years I learned far more then the baby birds did).
… You see, Slowpoke would fly to bridge for sleep at her will. She was very good at that and had no problems there.
Thus since they had taken her there many, many times by now, they knew she would find her way there.
So Mom and Dad went early. They would sneak away when Slowpoke was not watching. Thus they had escaped and with all the birds that would have been under that bridge, or wherever they go, Slowpoke probably would not find them.
So this left then free.
(They may have even gone elsewhere as they would know there was.)
–
… As time went on Mom drew away from Slowpoke. Wouldn’t you, after being poked
and pulled apart till there were obviously many feathers missing upon your person?
Poor mom. I felt sorry for her.
… Thus Mom drew away and did not meet up with Slowpoke till wished to.
Slowpoke being young, only knew of their little area as home.
Parents knew they could go many places, as adults do in winter time.
And by-golly, probably many of their friends were already there.
After all this was late September, long after young are to be long gone form Mom and Dad.
–
… Well after a time I saw nobody. But each time I went to local mall,
I would go through Holland park and there would be Slowpoke
sitting on a sign in parking lot.
She looked forlorn and depressed just sitting, with feathers puffed out.
I hoped she was well but she was probably missing Mom.
Mom and Dad probably decided one time, to just not come back.
What a shock, but sometimes lessons are tough.
–
… I saw Slowpoke many times in Sept Oct area, but I noted that she would
never dig for food. She would see the crane flies and other flying insects
and she would do acrobatics trying to catch them.
But flying insects does not a crow live by.
I seriously wondered if she would survive the winter.
She was very backward like slow in mind.
–
… I remember one time walking to park. I looked up at tall buildings there and saw Slowpoke doing acrobatics in air. First time I saw her in air for any length of time, and she was only one in air, still no friends. She would fly upward then, not moving her stance, she came to a halt. A wonderful sight to me, just hanging there.
I had never seen a crow do that or for that matter, any bird. Then after starting to fall, a second later she would flip to be face down, gliding to lower levels.
It was like she was practicing different flights. Interesting.
–
… Well it was near Christmas and I had not seen any crows for a while. I was sitting at my computer in front of window. I heard something and looked up and there was the devil itself, Slowpoke. She just hopped up from ground under rhododendron bush. I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed dirt on her bill. This means she was digging. Great joy, maybe she will survive.
… It was in January when I saw the whole family and I ran to fridge to fetch corn muffins to put out as a treat.
Well, I saw Dad, Jumpstart and Slowpoke all take a chunk. That did my heart good and I relaxed, about whole family. What a year! Or was it two.

—

Next year. 2017 nested in group of evergreens.
… On this day I heard crows. I went to window and there is mom and dad looking for nesting site. But who was with them, but Slowpoke, following everywhere they went. At first I thought they were going back to redwood tree for Dad and Slowpoke went there. Dad flew away leaving slowpoke inside nest shuffling about, as Dad had just done before leaving. Interesting, a teaching? Then Mom came with a twig and more or less just placed it at nest for Slowpoke to deal with. I thought this very odd. Crows do not let last generation, help with building next nesting site!!! This is instinct? Not!!!
… The next week there were Mom and Dad in big Tree group working with twigs but Slow Poke was not there? I watched as a few minutes later, I saw Slowpoke fly by and glance into redwood nest as she went. She did not see or know where Mom and Dad were. As that was happening Mom and Dad were still and did not say a word. Then when Slowpoke was out of sight mom and dad ducked down into lower trees. Interesting! They were in hiding.
(I say this because other times and years they use back door. If something was a rye, they would go to lower branches and get out below roof tops.)

… Then as time went by I realized that the performance with taking a twig to old redwood nest was a decoy to confused Slowpoke. She was hounding them then, so Mom and Dad took her to old nest and pretended to fix it and even allowed Slowpoke to place twigs there too. Impressive, that is not instinct. They have brains.
… Later slowpoke did find them and she stuck it out sitting quietly in small bush near nest as mom incubated. Slowpoke would come up to mom if mom stirred and mom would look at her or utter something and slow poke would fly away to park, for something to eat probably. She still did not have friends.

… But dad was still trying to defend his territory. Mom was mad at Dad for chasing Slowpoke away.
Slowpoke would sit near their new nest just waiting.
Poor dad was out of picture. He was very tired of chasing her out of area only to have her back in two minutes. Dad was a bit territorial but they had reason to worry. Judging from the antics of Slowpoke the year before, if Slowpoke got into nest she would hound mom and maybe pull her feathers out or even worse, break the eggs. Slowpoke was very demanding as seen the year before.

… I remember one time Dad was supper mad. She flew into area as if she owned area and was circling about to go to nest area. This is bad just for security of where nest was. That is to be a secret to all other birds especially eagles. As she circles about into back of tree group I saw dad flying opposite way also into back of tree group. Well dad came out chasing her very strongly and they were gone for maybe 5 minutes. Mom would often get mad at dad. She just wanted him to leave her be. I think dad knew he would not win many tines. This will be why he just sort of gives up and stays in background. Well, this happened with this scenario as well. But later as a couple of days, I went to sit in park. This crow couple have an eating territory at park around where the Christmas tree is. Front corner of park by king George BLVD and 100 Ave. As I sat there, here comes a bird flying waffly, so I knew it was Slow Poke. (She was definitely slow, for never flew a straight line. Wings would tip a bit in any flight. Very unsure bird.)

I felt a sense of relief, for she was not hounding someone. But after a minute of peace, here comes dad from nesting area. Well he charged her as she swung around going toward nesting area. Dad flew so fast that he got in front of her and if she had kept going she would have collided with him. He had flipped in mid air so fast, which I had never seen a crow do. This frightened her and she flew to ground, almost like falling. Again, this was right in-front of me about 2 yards away. Dad came straight down and landed on her. She was struggling pecking at his belly and calling as if caught, while under his feet. But Dad stood tall on those long legs and steady claws. And he did not fight her. He just held her, as staring at her for about one minute. I was about two yards away watching. (of course, these two adults knew me well by now.)
… After that he let her go by taking a small hop flight and landed on ground. She straightened up and flew as fast as she could. She went eastward and dad followed making sure to stay near her. Then as she was up in garden, fountain area I saw him veered off going toward nesting area. She would not have seen that and I did not see her for days after that. Good for dad. When chasing and fighting does not work, a good cold stare often does.
… Well she did come back, but as soon as dad saw her he went after her. She learned this year she was not to come near nest, so she stayed on outskirts of their territory and if dad did not see her he went on with his life.
… One time I was going to mall, and there is a fence post on edge of our road at the corner of King George. There she was taking her siesta, sprawled out on top of this low fence post. I went right by her and she did not budge from keeping her eye on mom and dad’s nesting trees. She was on edge of parent’s
site. Dad flew by and paid her no attention. She was content for she could see the trees where she knew they were.
… After that I did not see her often. But twice I saw her with three other birds. There formed a small group of free flyers. These birds I noticed the year before. They never nest in summer but stay as a group of what I thought was 4.
They go anywhere and are frivolous, dipping in flight and bothering nesting territories, so that they are usually being chased by a local bird. They stay in tree top peaks and rarely were seen on ground. Like hippie’s, free from life’s doings. They hung around most of year, and this their second year, Slowpoke was seen with them several times and she fit in perfectly. They accepted her into the group as she roosted with them and flew to next tree top as they wandered area. I was very pleased with this. She had made friends and finally found a home, with the hippies.

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Year 2018 parents did not nest near me for tree was needle-less. But in late spring, tree had new growth and the next year more growth looking almost normal.

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2019 in redwood again but not pay too much attention for I was not well. Young were taken to empty lot beside our building, not in view. 3 in number. I did see them later in year and the three were all well and playing tag among the trees that were bulldozed down in 2021. That was a disaster, for our pair of crows were nesting in a tree right next to the forest. Mom was frightened away from incubating, as many birds were. That year, very few birds were raised. One, in fear so abandoned many nests and two not enough food around to feeding young and adults alike. And this is called progress!!!
–
Note, I call birds Male or female by how aggressive they are. You can sort of tell by the general vibe and stance.
(Slowpoke was very aggressive at times but it was a flappier aggressiveness, instead of a strong wall of aggressive stance. Strong One never ran from dad. Even when divebombed, he waited till dad was gone, then got up quickly and flew directly away. Couple other times, after dad gave him what for, Strong One took after dad.)

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–

2022. Nested in Redwood. Mon tried to incubate the 17-18 days but more and more bugs were eating her. She finally just left not to return. Insect imbalance.
–
… I had given muffins a couple of time when crows were near, and at end of season parents would come sit on fence, as they still do now. Then I would run for small piece of muffin and they would sit there waiting the tidbit that I would throw out door. There was other entries but do not remember and have, sort of let all go. Then there was Covid.

======== Now we have caught up in time.

2023, Nested in later April. 2 weeks late, for weather too cold. Picked group of 5 trees this year. It may be in the shadow of the two cranes but they have overcome their fear. In fact dad flies up to the top of crane and sits there almost defiantly.
No sign of Slowpoke. Normal life is back.
… May 25. I am quite sure eggs have hatched, but will not see much this season for trees well needled. But dad has his feathers ruffled.
There is a pair of crows that have been dislodged by the missing forested area. Thus they are trying to maintain general area. Problem is, they figure that part of my pair’s territory is for them. Thus regularly there are chases from tree to tree. Not serious but enough.
But Dad now comes to my fence regularly, and preens even while I am sitting out. He feels comfortable to sit a couple + yards away. One time I was sitting on patio and people were walking. He was on fence and did not wish to fly away, I guess, so suddenly landed on ground literally 3 feet from me. It startled me and I spoke quietly to him, but he just looked at me and hopped a couple hops to saucer of water there.
… A couple of times while I was sitting out, he was on fence and went into the crouching territorial bend and throat noise making. I am not sure if he feels he is taking my territory, or just letting me know he has the right to sit there too? It was not a negative display, but interesting. We often sit maybe 5 minutes, quietly being within ourselves.
… I also have a chickadee whom was born last year. Parents left the 2 siblings in my patio area often. This year the one comes all the time. It has to have its bath every day. Even last winter it would come, but I took bath in for did not want it to catch cold. I know it, for has more white in wings than others. Its back and almost daily bathes and sits in my bushes. It knows me so is extra bold, and comes to bath as I sit out. My family. Ha Ha.
–
June 2. Today Dad was on my patio with wings out-stretched on ground, mouth wide open and staring into the sky. Patio is totally closed in and he feels safe here, basking in the sun. He saw me as I approached door and he did not budge. I left him in peace. Cute.. Still there as I type this.

—–

Last week as I was sitting out on patio, Dad was sitting on fence and did the territorial crouch and throat gurgling to me.
I will report now that 2 days after that, I realized their behavior had changed. They were not tending nest as should. He would not sit on fence long but hurry off to other places. I saw them together a few times but not going to nest.
Then within a couple days, only saw dad fly into area and sit on telephone pole for a while. One of last times I saw them together, they flew further south out of my view. This was rare and was away from park. Now I rarely see them, except dad comes to chase a bird out of our area, but then he disappears again. Was this what he was trying to tell me with the territorial display? I thought that very odd. It was first time I saw him preform that and it was for my benefit.
They went to old nest a few times but only near and now I do not see Mom. Kind of too bad but I will be moving soon myself. They will have another nest by now and they are doing fly-bys by me, as on their way to Holland park.
… I am quite sure, it again is insect imbalance. Take a couple of forested acres down and it is like a wave in the water. There will be splashes somewhere near. Humans do not realize what they do. Always there are consequences. We may feel we are progressing, but what is it doing to the rest around us.
(I sign off now on June 14th 2023…) 15th. Both back visiting bunch of trees. They will carry on in area and are OK.
–

July 5 2023…. Judging from the big beak-fulls of stuff going by regularly, I would say our pair have another family.
–
July 14. 2023. Both came into my area and each in turn came to water dish to drink. They both acknowledged me then left again.
Dad comes every few days to drink. He sometimes (4), brings his mouth full of food, and spits it out into water.
Then takes it again all into his mouth and throat, then goes on. Washing it off or making sure young have enough water? Interesting.
Later I heard new baby crows about, but that is not our pair. They will have hatchlings now. I would say mid Aug till babies out.

Aug 19. 2023. I have seen our pair’s young twice. Since this nesting time was so late in season, they are only ones around
with tails not yet grown and flying awkwardly.
Two days ago Mom and dad came and took cookie bits that I left out. They are not here often. Situated selves in different location now.
With all the building about I would not doubt it. Good Luck you two. An older pair which I have been watching since 2011.

Sept 1. 2023. Did not see much of family but young are flying almost as good as adults. I believe 2 young. Dad appeared yesterday all ruffled up.
To me he is probably harassed by young who will still be taking food.
I put part of cookie out when I saw him, and he gratefully came down to fetch it before I got door closed again.
Went to kitchen and turned to see him with food in bill and taking off from fencing.
A good morsel of corn flour and rice flour for a young bird.

Sept 15. Young are well on their way. Saw only twice since the 1st. Once kids are free flyers parents take them into park area.
The new building has dislodged them from normal range and habit. I am going to sign off now. Thanks for listening.

———–

2024 Mar. … Seen our pair search casually for a nesting site. Where will they build this year?

Mar 13.
2 crows chasing 2 other crows from our group of trees. Defending Territory, so I guess our two will stay in area.
–
Mar 22. Put out water dish for birds and within hour down came Dad crow. I threw out bits of cookie and he gathered them up, as they do, one on top of other pieces and took them to water dish. He put them all in then ate one at a time.
So it is not just for the babies, he did this last summer. He likes water with his meals also. Ha Ha.
–
Mar 25th, much action on finding and choosing nest tree. Chatting with others and chasing etc. Our pair normally nests by 4-6th of April. Building takes about 3 days. Not sure how much I will record this year. Trees needled well.
This pair (being chased) will be the ones who nested above our two, in top of evergreens. They are trying to nest there again but dad will not have it.
–
Mar 26, Looks like the crows will nest deeper into the 5 evergreen trees, away from me. I have not seen them nest in that spot before but have been into those branches at least twice in last 2 days.
– Dad is trying to claim back his original lot after two years. Greedy? The other pair who were dislodged by deforestation, Dad is not allowing in area. Being a strong determined bird he may be able to achieve this, but it is sure active here. Swooping and diving about. Ha Ha.
Later twig went up to same area but was put on outside branch and left. It is a bit early for them but defiantly an attempt. It may have been mom and at other times she would place a twig and fly away. An indication to dad where nest will be??? Mom is the one who designates where it will be, and they have attempted more than one nest in years past.
Heavier clouds moved in and all is quiet. (1:04, it will be siesta time.)

April 2 2024.
… Surprise Surprise … I have not seen the crows for a few days which is normal in non nesting times.
Yesterday I saw the two of them flying freely around total territory. I wondered when they were going to start nesting but left it at that.
This norming saw the two of them in tree 20 yards away and they were in and out of branches there. They then flew away elsewhere. Stood there for a minute and one came back flying towards the group of trees near me. What was a surprise, was this one flew past the big group of trees and went to the young redwood tree of 2 years ago and there to my surprise was a large nest almost complete. It sure does not take them long to build. Last year the squirrels took the old nest that was there for 2-3 years. So it surprised me indeed to see another large nest in very same place. Must be a good fork. Ha ha. That is the tree they took Slow Poke, to fool her in thinking they were going to build nest there. After that they hid from her when she came by. Sounds like a soap opera. So our two are about on schedule for nesting.
Later.
… Its no wonder they got nest up fast. Both are hurrying, even racing each other to get to nest with 3-4 sized beakfulls. It is mainly grasses and mud for inside the twigs. Most twigs went up early this morning or yesterday when I was not looking. This building is another sign to me of how good these two work together. Its been 12-13 years I have seen them nest. They are pros.

April 7. After flying area for days being very tentative with each, I believe Mom has stated incubating today.
I did not see them flying about. Saw only dad was chasing someone in tree 20 yards away. About 2 weeks incubate.

Apr 10. Twice yesterday our two flew up to nest and shuffled the furniture about. They even had a bit of stuff in bills. I guess mom found some draughty spots with the rain and cooler weather.

Apr 11. There has been activity in nest area yesterday and today. I thought it may have been the pair that were trying to claim our territory, but No. I saw three flying once yesterday and twice today. But Mom and Dad were at nest this time and the three others flew together around area circling about. It may be another hippie group like Slow Poke found in 2017. Maybe this is common, not sure. It is like they have no home, so saunter around other’s nesting areas. All three times I saw them, they stayed close together and flew not in a straight line but circles. In other words no intent, free flyers as I called them. None of them were Slow Poke for they flew strongly. In fact they look more mature than Slow Poke’s group. Slow Poke’s group was young and kind of mischievous.

Apr 15. All is normal. Last 2 days Bold Eagles soring about and today off went dad up to the heights to chase the foes. Did not last long for eagle suddenly took a speed flight to the south. So dad dive-bombed back to his area. They sure travel fast with the diving tactic. Great fun. Meanwhile mom is snoring on the nest. Ha ha.

Apr 25,
No sign of them feeding young yet. I can see nest plainly for in skinny redwood tree. Mom was off nest quite a bit in past warm weather. They both still go to nest so all is OK. … Oh. Just checked my arithmetic. Its only 15 days so they have 2-3 more days yet. 👓

May 1,
Attack of the Sea Gull. Beautiful white Sea Gull who used to come regularly but dad chased away for several years.
Today, there he was on roof top behind me. Both mom and dad were charging him. One on either side of him lunging forward at him and jump flying over him. Poor Sea Gull. I do not believe they would have any problems. Interesting to watch. Finally Gull did fly away as crows both chased him. He will think twice of coming here again. I do believe eggs have hatched and this will be why our 2 were so sensitive toward the Gull.

May 3, Signs of Young in nest. A parent flew to nest and landed on edge then jumped to opposite edge.
May 4, Yes, they are feeding chicks. It will be a month or more before they fledge.

May 12, We have squeaking babies today. No builders next door so all is quiet.

May 19, Bold Eagle flew by with 8-10 crows chasing. This is the time the Bald eagles start to search for food.
I figure cause their young are needing food, so parents search far and wide.

May 29, Been a very quiet year eagle wise. That is probably cause new tall building beside us and worker are
still there working on building. I saw another eagle few days back but just soaring by. Mom spends little time on nest.
Just at night and when raining. They still come for cookie treat once in while. Home made, rice and corn flour.

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May 30th. As I reported in last entry, mom spends little time on nest lately. Well I found out why. They are building another nest in 5 group of evergreens. I was gazing outside and saw a crow fly with twig into trees. I stayed glued to scene and again flew in another place with twig. Went for breakfast and after, they went to same place twice again. That is why mom has not been on nest. More bugs probably. Since forest taken down for so called progress, this general area has had much problems with bugs. Well the little critters have had their home taken away, so they to, have to find new homes. Bugs are not picky as in territory, so the nearest greenery will do. More havoc created by humans.
I am concerned for their new nest. This spring there was like webs making branches misshaped. Branches seem to have straightened out but maybe baby bugs are out of nest. Hope this crow nesting is successful. It is amazing how many mishaps happen in a birds life. And it is not that they have nerves of steel. They do get upset with things.
A Birds life.
Well, when they come onto my fence, I still offer cookies and they gratefully accept the tidbit. It makes them happy.
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Later.
Just saw another Bald Eagle flying low and being chased by 4 crows. Let the games begin. Hahaha
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Mom and Dad came to fence and Dad walked over to just outside my window where I am at computer. I spoke to him and bowed head as acknowledging him, then went for 2 small cookies. Saw Mom there at other end of fence so fed both. Dad is OK emotionally but did three territorial bows with tail spread. Telling me what happened???. Mom is heart broken. She will get over it but she did not finish her cookie and flew away. Dad followed shortly after.
… At this point I am not sure if they have picked a new nest sight. Too many emotions yet. It was a shocker to me as well. I wonder what happened?. I will keep you updated. …

May 31, Did not see them all day. Taking a break I guess.

Jun 1. Came twice for cookies. Saw Dad chase crows from group of trees. They both look better. In a week or so will probably build again. Have to wait the egg cycle I guess. Have seen this before.

June 4th.
Our two crows are having a marvellous time. Playfully chasing each, play fighting in air, travelling far and wide. Spending most of time in park. I guess they are trying to forget the past. When they have come last several times, it is together. They stand next to each as they wait my awareness of them or my cookie treats. Nice to see. Dad stays till mom flies then he follows. Other times they fly when finished tidbit and leave other behind. I treat them only once a day, although now, often they come twice in a day. And also now, rarely do they sit in their territory. Free to roam. They have time for another nesting, but in their time.

June 10th. I see our crows every other day and they come for their treats. Ha Ha. As I type this one came to fence.
He left shortly after. Just saying hi. Not sure where nesting. May be elsewhere. I have been busy myself.

June 11, Dad came for treat but only ate one piece. I noted he was very relaxed, almost like bored. I think they have another nest but not in my view. With Dad’s vibe, I think Mom is already incubating. I will stay alert next few days and figure it out. I have a feeling it is nearer their eating territory at the park.

June 14, I have seen Dad fly over my area going to the south. They may be nesting in same place they found last year. They have not been for treats for several days. They are normally not interested in summer so it shows me they are settling into their summer routine.

June 20th. Today Dad came as he has come alone for last week or more. He was almost finished dunking his cookie into water dish as he eats every little bit. But before he was finished here come Mom quickly flying onto fence and down to where he was. I went for more cookie and she accepted a half and quickly took off again. Busy with incubating. She is on a tight schedule for a while. Eggs will hatch in 7 – 10 days still. It was 10th – 11th I felt they had a nest. Eggs hatch 16-18 days. A few days more than Robins. Then, as Robins spend about 2 weeks as nestlings then fledge, crows spend much longer. Its all those feathers You know. haha. I tagged them as over a month as chicks. Crows fledge quite nicely feathered, but Robins sometimes have bare bellies. Also I feel it depends on the pare. Their routine or wishes.
Time will tell. It would be nice if they brought young to our trees in back here.

June 26, Dad has not been here for 3 days. This may be a promising sight. He may be busy with feeding mom and bringing food for mom to feed young. Dad does not feed young much in first few days.

July 22. Mom and Dad came for treats together. I feel this odd. They should be feeding young in nest at this time. They are too placid for that. The young would be close to half grown.
Another nesting mishap? Not sure. If in 3-5 weeks I hear young crows calling, I will presume it is out pair’s young. Other than that I do not know what to say.

July 23… Again I raise my eye brows. Both mom and dad came flying to fence when they saw me making breakfast. There is no concern of needing to be elsewhere like feeding chicks. They are free flyers. once they finished their treats, of which they took their time, they flew to group of 5 trees and sat there. No babies calling no concerns of flying elsewhere, like to nest.
The only thing that may fit in this scenario is they have 1 chick who would be half grown by now. Or maybe they are getting too old? I have been in this apparent 13 years and saw them in first year. In second year they built nest and were masters so had nests for several years prior. I saw or was told one time that crows live 20 years, so maybe age??? We will see.

An hour later both came again. Did not give treat but they both searched my patio for bits. They have lost yet another nest this year. They had no young out of three nesting’s. Strange.
It is too late for another.

Sept They have come for treats regularly but now with winter coming, they are coming less and less.
Their winter friends and haunts are calling. Have a good rest. See you next spring.

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Conclusion.
I learned a lot from this experience over the last many years. One major thing was, humans think they are so smart. But crows like humans, have to deal with wayward birds, sick birds, bully birds etc. etc. etc. Birds are just as smart as humans. There is no priority here. Just because they cannot do arithmetic, does not mean they are not smart, in living a good life and solving the problems that arise therein. If we took a human, and for a year, put them as a bird, they would probably not make it.
For one, humans are show offs. They have to let others know what they have done. Do that as a bird and you will be the next eagles meal. Or if you decided to be half smart and stick to the ground, you may be the next cat’s catch.
Humans live in a life of walls for protection. So why are we not smarter than we are? We have ample time. We do not have to forage. A bird spends much time foraging.
The answer is what Jesus said, we are tempted by the material about us. We spend more time guarding and protecting what we have earned, and building places to protect what is precious to us. We are tempted by materialism and not by the reason why we are here in the first place. To be kind and considerate and to grow spiritually.
We are not here to make huge buildings. We are not here to climb the highest mountains. We are not here to go to the moon. We are not here to own the largest city.
We are here to grow in spirituality, to be helpful to others and to ourselves. Not materially but spiritually.

How do YOU, help people spiritually???????? (Lynda 2020.)

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