Last Friday I noticed a juvenile crow in the garden. It was lying on the log pile right next to Curly cat’s shed.
Now, when I’m in wildlife, I’m constantly advising people on the phone to leave fledglings alone and to keep an eye out for the parents. So this was a case of taking my own medicine!
I watched the crow chick for over four hours without a single sighting of a parent. At this point, it drooped it’s head and lolled onto it’s side. Action was clearly required, so I crept up on it with a towel. I needn’t have bothered creeping, it was clearly incapable of moving.
It was obvious when holding it that the bird was starving to death, never have I felt a such a prominent breastbone. It didn’t have an ounce of flesh on it.
I syringed some water into it’s beak and force fed it a few morsels of dog food, then left it in peace in a crate for a few hours. I fully expected it to be dead when I returned, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was now supporting it’s head and looking perkier. So….another force feed, more water and a few more hours of peace were administered.
Returning the second time was most rewarding, now the bird was standing, a little wobbly, but standing, so I added a perch and was delighted when it hopped onto it!
By the end of the day my little crow friend was clearly a lot livelier but still wasn’t feeding or drinking for itself, so rather than take yet another high maintenance chick to the rescue where we are all rather overwhelmed with chicks I decided to care for it myself until my next shift, which was on the Tuesday.
By day two, li’l crow and I had bonded. It had clearly accepted me as it’s mother, and I had accepted it as my baby.
I began to feed it every hour and a half, as little and often were working miracles. Each time I opened it’s crate, it would cock it’s head to one side, fix a large staring eye upon me, then hop onto my right arm where it would sit awaiting a feed…..btw….I now look like I have been self-harming as my right forearm is a mass of scratches, those talons are sharp!
On day three, li’l crow’s lessons began…..basic life-skills! I scattered dried meal-worm on the floor of it’s crate and made pecking movements with my hand, li’l crow cocked it’s head to one side, fixed an eye on me, hopped off it’s perch and began pecking too. I then offered it a meal-worm and it took it, and that was the end of force-feeding! After four such lessons li’l crow was feeding itself! I was delighted! What a CLEVER bird! And what a PROUD mother!
On Sunday hubs and I were in the garden when suddenly three juvenile crows fledged. The noise was deafening, between the chicks and the adults the caw-caws had our ears ringing. I wondered if this could be li’l crow’s family so I quickly rigged-up a transparent crate so the adults could see l’il crow.
Nothing! Nada!
I left it there for several hours with food and water. Then I heard unmerciful shrieking!
I ran out and immediately saw an adult crow sitting in the sliver birch tree above li’l crow. It was viciously hammering away at a branch with it’s beak while caw-cawing at the top of it’s lungs and tearing off thin branches and hurling them down to the ground.
My hopes were raised, this HAD to be a parent! I quickly got li’l crow out and sat it on the top of the crate, I was a little nervous, but I watched and waited from indoors with my heart in my mouth. But as soon as I had freed li’l crow the adult flew off no longer interested! Obviously it thought li’l crow had been trapped….and didn’t like it, one little bit!
Now, every time that crow sees me it hollers and throws thin branches at me, it must think I’m a crow trapper!!! Sighs….
And they have long memories, crows….VERY intelligent birds they are!
The wren feeding her chicks outside the kitchen door,
After four days, I finally took L’il crow to the rescue……it needs to gain weight and then fly free in an aviary before being released. It was a wrench I can tell you! It’s surprising how quickly you can form an attachment……I must have drove my colleagues crackers with all my instructions re it’s care!
I settled it in, next to a magpie chick and provided some live meal-worm, li’l crow took to them like a duck to water! Finally, after a six hour shift I said my farewell….sobs….but I’ll soon be back!
Of course I shall release Li’l crow in my garden when the time comes, I have no doubt it will remember me, it has been proven that crows can recognize individual people! The branch thrower is the perfect example!
Starling chicks
More starling chicks
One of six magpie chicks…..gosh, these birds are LOUD and DEMANDING!
There is no longer an inch of room in the wildlife unit…..even the top of the rabbit hutches are full of birds…..the noise in the morning is deafening! They all want feeding at the same time, then every fifteen minutes.
And finally…..
I had to move my wrought iron crested cranes as they were becoming swamped by the blue bamboo! It’s good to see them clearly again!
Thanks Jennifer. Ahhh,how lovely that your mum has a friendly crow too, oh yes, they sure are smart!xxx
I so enjoyed the tale of your little crow. My Mom had a crow that used to visit her back porch. Mom took to leaving it treats and it always came looking for more. They are smart birds aren’t they?
That’s an amazing story about the crows. You did a good deed, but as they say, no good deed goes unpunished. What they say about crows being intelligent must be true, somehow I am amazed that after such a separation, the parent crow still knows and takes in its offspring.
Ha! Yes …no good deed goes unpunished!
A crow will accept it’s chick after a separation….they can recognize people and can certainly recognize their own, amazingly intelligent birds…..the subject of many an experiment!Thanks Jason.xxx
It’s an enchanting story, my dearest Dina. I love the way you write it down, didn’t you ever think about writing a book? It could bring some awareness and compassion to many more humans… Animals are sensitive and, in their way, love giving… I’m sure the little fellow think you’re his mom….
My brother found a baby crow around 15 yrs. ago, he still live with him, recognize him and protect the house (he screams loud when people are nearing the propriety). He love to take a bath and let himself dried with a hairdryer 🙂
He loves scrambled eggs and all type of meat…
With our 6 cats we can’t right now think about having other animals since my husband and I are away in the morning and afternoon… but one day I wish to have an Noe’s ark in my house and garden… You are such a good exemple!
Have a lovely Sunday :-)c
I think the book writing should be left to you! I would bore everyone to death!
That little crow warmed the cockles of my heart, I was amazed it survived, I wasn’t very hopeful to be honest.
Oh…what a WONDERFUL story about your brother’s crow….15 years???? And he is dried with a hairdryer….gosh I can’t even use one on my dogs….they simply WON’T have it!
I do hope little crow remembers me, selfish I know, but it would be so lovely to have him hanging around the garden……I am still surprised that he survived!
I would love a Noah’s ark too…..thanks Claudine, always so lovely to hear from you!xxx
Oh dear, all those beaks to feed! I hope L’il crow stays around when you release it. I bet it does. You’d better stock up on mealworms now.
Lol….I’m afraid Li’l crow will have to eat canned food….Herbie needs his mealworm you see! It would be lovely if Li’l crow hangs around…I can’t wait to release him!xxx
Today my son mentioned that “Crikey” would be a great name for a crow and he could even picture a book called “Crikey the Crow”… and I said, “Well, let me tell you a story about a crow”…at which point I related your heart warming story about rescuing the baby crow…
I hope you are not still being attacked by flinging sticks!!
Awwwwwhh….what a marvelous name for a crow!!! And….how LOVELY that you related the story to your son, isn’t it a small world, to think the internet can connect people like this! Sadly, the stick flinging and shrieking is still ongoing, hurts ones heart it does..! Thanks Glo.xxx
…At least your Cranes only require a move now and then, less demanding than being a surrogate parent to so many chicks. What a super visual story. Yes, Crows are amazingly intelligent; with that add memory. What a combination. Landing in your garden to fade away, was one lucky crow, who instead of dying, has been nurtured into life. I wonder if it will remember the garden and when freed, visit you at home from time -to- time.
How many people are there at the rescue centre to feed so many chicks as frequently as they need? Every hour and a half; it must feel like having to feed sextuplets, minus the constant nappy changing routines for each one.
xxx
Lol….yes, those crested cranes are certainly less work than the flesh and blood critters…although it is awkward trying to paint them!
Crows are the genius’s of the bird world for sure…..there have been so many studies conducted re their intelligence and memory…..and they look out for their own as I found out to my cost!
How lovely it would be if the crow remembers me and remains friendly…..I can just see myself walking around the garden with a crow on my shoulder….
We usually have two staff in wildlife, sometimes three….it’s a hard shift, 60 hogs, 60 rabbits 10 ferrets, 50 terrapins….guinea pigs, hamsters, five huge aviary’s….as well as about 20 hand feed chicks, and all the hardening off areas, as well as other animals….it’s complicated by people coming in all the time and the phone endlessly ringing, especially at this time of the year, but, I do love it! Thanks Menhir.xxx
Many thanks for sharing this lovely story … and well done to you too.
By the way I do like your wrought iron crested cranes.
All the best Jan
Thanks so much Jan…..I am rather fond of the crested cranes!xxx
Another lovely animal story. You really should write a book. I have heard before that crows are intelligent. The crow hurling twigs at you made me laugh.
I wonder why the collective word for crows is a ‘ murder of crows’? Oh dear, I hope that angry crow doesn’ t move on to heavier missiles.
Thanks Chloris…..if only I could write a book! Lol…. I think I’d bore everyone to death though……
It is SO unfair isn’t it? That crow hates me now….sighs…..and some of those twiglets hit me when I least expect it! The shrieking is the worst of it though…..
I think the murder of crows is because they are so unforgiving…..eeek! Hadn’t thought of heavier missiles! xxx
Am so glad the crow recovered – well done you feeding it and keeping it alive. Will be fun to have a sort of crow friend when it returns from the rescue? I look forward to hearing about future stories if crow continues to thrive and returns to be released at yours – how exciting!
Wonderful how intelligent and aware creatures are – and how crows can recognise individual people!
Well done Mrs Bird Mother! 🙂 xxxx
I was really surprised to see Li’l crow pick up so quickly….it will be wonderful to release it and if it hangs around and remembers me…..that would be the icing on the cake!!! I shall deffo keep you posted!
Crows are extremely wily and intelligent….shame that one has it in for me now! Thanks Arose.xxxx
I agree with Sue Garrett that maybe the baby will teach the others what an angel you are. 🙂 I’ve heard people disparage crows but I think they’re wonderful – smarter and more resourceful than many people I know. Or maybe I just need smarter friends. I’ll have to think about that one… 😉
Ahhhh…thanks Casa! I do hope baby crow can influence adult crow, I am looking forward to the release!
Hahahaha….good luck on the smart friend hunt….or maybe just befriend a few crows!xxx
What a fantastic rescue story – I love crows, they’re such clever birds. You’ll have to keep us updated when you eventually release it back into your garden. Have a great weekend. x
Thanks Veggie Mummy….I love crows too, they are such characters! I shall certainly keep you posted!xxx
Those starling chicks … only a mother would love them!! What a gorgeous story about Lil crow, Snowbird. Maybe you were a mummy bird in a previous life … that’s amazing about crows having memories and that crow firing branches at you. It’s not safe in your garden, is it???!!
Thanks Gilly…..starling chicks are so gangly….they always end up in a heap with the littlest one underneath! I was thrilled to see Li’l crow return from the dead….yes…crows and jackdaws are like elephants…..they NEVER forget! Lol….it isn’t fun having a large crow shrieking at me!!! Thanks Gilly.xxx
The bonds do form quickly, don’t they? I read somewhere that for some creatures (maybe all?) who they see first when they open their eyes is “Mama!” Even if that’s not true, it’s a fact that consistent, gentle care can overcome a lot of obstacles, and bring weak or damaged creatures back to life.
I laughed at your description of the rackety magpies. My grandmother described a certain kind of woman as a “magpie.” We’d never seen the birds, but we knew what she meant!
Yes, lots of creatures, especially birds always remember the first face they see, that’s why our ducklings always remain so wild, they will only accept their mother. Garden birds and pigeons take to us really well as chicks, yet as soon as they can feed themselves they become totally wild and will no longer tolerate us!
I do like the fact that your grandmother used the word magpie, an apt description! Thanks Linda.xxx
Excellent Mothering…as always! Well worth ‘Crowing’ about… Ha! Ha! Couldn’t resist D! Yes, fledglings have a hard time….the way of Nature, I’m sure. With someone like you around, Mother Nature must be well pleased! Hugs! xx
Hahahaha….yes…well worth crowing about for sure! I’m sure mother nature becomes grieved with me…she was all for leaving it to die. Thanks Bushka!xxx
I needed your post, as always, Dina. Sweet story of loving one of our friends in need, bonding, and then releasing care to others…if only the rest of the world could stop to learn these lessons. Everything would change.
I take heart from your courage and love; Saving the world, one bird (or hedgehog, etc.) at a time. 🙂 Thank you, Dina. It’s so important what you do, and that you take the time to share your wonderful photos and words makes it all the more likely others will follow your lead.
Ahhhh….Kitty! I know this is a terribly hard time for you so I’m glad you could take heart from my twitterings, and I hope, really hope that yours eases eventually, although I know that that takes time. We are lucky you and I to be surrounded by animals…..Love and hugs.xxxxxxx
I had to smile at your description of the magpie chicks — loud and demanding seems to characterize my Samantha cat very well, too. When she wants her kibble, there is no doing anything else without her squawking loudly and tripping up your feet.
Love your crow mothering story. I never thought you could teach a crow how to fend for itself by mimicking the motion with your hand! It looks like you are getting more comfortable and skilled with your camera as that portrait of the young crow is quite beautifully done.
Oh….I didn’t realize your Samantha was that loud! Struth……I think I would have to have a bowl of kibble permanently stocked up!
We always use the pecking hand in the rescue to get chicks on the road to independence, it’s remarkably successful….
Why thank you re the crow pic, it’s hard to get a good shot as they always move just as you click, I do love that camera though, I don’t know how I put up with the others now. Hubs and I have still to do the photography course, looks like it will be a winter project now! Time does get away from us….sighs…Thank Anne.xxx
I was just thinking of reviewing the photography course, too. I’m thinking of renting a wide angle lens for an upcoming trip and want to remind myself of the basics.
I’m really looking forward to the course, I did see several sessions before I bought it and they were great pointers. I would love a telescopic lens, especially to capture bats! I wonder how hard it would be to carry several lens about and change them? Hubs has a telescopic lens on his nikon…..maybe I should use that!
Hmmmmm….wide angled lens eh? Don’t tell me where you are going, I like surprises!xxx
What a fabulous story….definitely a children’s book…yes indeed.
You are amazing, Dina….sending love…Janet. xxxx
Ahhhh, thanks so much Janet! Lots of love right back!xxx
Such a heartwarming story! It’s good to know that your crow will be looked after until it can be released. Last weekend we had a baby crow/rook/jackdaw sitting on the back lawn, Our grandchildren were visiting, so I told them to leave it alone and sure enough, just after we got back into the house, it had moved to the border where it would be safer. It was a big baby, with blue eyes and looked rather fat, in spite of having adult feathers. I looked in all my bird books to see which bird it could be, but am none the wiser, any ideas? It is now back with its parents, hopping around in the branches of the trees in the garden and waking me at 4am!
Thanks Pauline, it sounds like a juvenile jackdaw, they have piercingly blue eyes, the youngsters are so fluffed up they look bigger than their parents at times, the jackdaws have a greyish part on top of their heads, they’re smaller than crows, who are smaller than ravens.xxx
Thank goodness you know what to do in such a situation and what patience you have, Dina.
I hope all the birds in the rescue do well. It will be a special moment when you can release Li’l crow in your garden.
Thanks Linda, fortunately I have worked with birds for so long now that I have everything I need at home to get them through the rough times, the poor little crow wouldn’t have survived the journey to the rescue,
I am looking forward to the release!xxx
What a lovely post.. I look forward to hearing more about Li’l crow when he can be released in your garden. Sorry I did have to chuckle at the stick throwing crow… got to love him he was only protecting his own… Perhaps Li’l crow will tell him that you really are a nice person on his return :o) x
Thanks Julie, I am looking forward to seeing Li’l crow back in the garden and hopefully reunited with his family! It’s so weird having a crow throwing bits of branches at me….and yes, good on him! They are protective of their own! I do hope Li’l is persuasive! xxx
A most enjoyable post and lovely pictures. Crows really are such intelligent, wonderful birds. xx
Thanks Flighty,I am always astonished at the intelligence of crows, Jackdaws are also as bright as a button, such long-lived birds too!xxx
What a lovely story – so glad everything worked to plan. We have regular crow visitors to the garden and one in particular is becoming very cheeky getting closer and closer to the house. now it has worked out when I feed the fish and comes down and nicks the pellets out of the pond – whatever next!
Thanks Elaine, it was lovely to see li’l crow recover, I’m looking forward to the big release!
Gosh, a crow eating fish food???? There you go…..they certainly don’t miss an opportunity! Sooooo…you have fish eh? maybe you could do a post on them, I would like to hear more!xxx
Awww, I’m sure he’ll come on well at the rescue, it will be lovely to release him in your garden. I think you might have to invest in a hard hat to do the weeding though for when the other crow’s hurling branches around.
Lol….yes, a hard hat is certainly called for! I’m looking forward to releasing him here, I’m sure his family will take him back into the fold if he can find them! Thanks Jo.xxx
I want to say to you, most sincerely, that it is people like you that give me hope.
To see the love and care you are giving wildlife is an honour.
Thank you for sharing, you really have made my day…………
Ahhhh….thanks so much Cheryl, although the honour is all mine…it’s a pleasure to work with wildlife and see them back where they belong!xxx
Maybe your baby croe will convince branch throwing crow that you are a friend.
Hallelujah to that! A girl can hope eh? I’m not used to critters thinking I’m the enemy! xxx