Something to “Crow” About?

I’ve always had a fascination for crows. At the last house where we lived for several years, there was a flock of crows that congregated in large pine trees in a side yard of the house across the street. They were sometimes loud, cawing and calling to one another. They were always interesting, flying in and out of the branches or walking comically across the street or down a sidewalk. They watched out for one another, one always surveying the landscape while its comrades searched for food.

Crows tend to be viewed negatively. Because they are scavengers, they will often be found eating dead animals. But their diets and characters are so much more. I have read that crows are extremely intelligent. They are able to reason and have terrific memories. They are able to distinguish between one human and another and will remember a person that has been a threat or one who has been especially kind. It is the latter characteristic that especially interests me.

Recently, there was a report of a young girl somewhere in Europe who had befriended a crow. Suddenly, she began finding little gifts that crows would leave for her. Little objects that had been found and collected. Small rocks, pieces of metal, small parts of jewelry, glass. Items that they obviously found attractive and worthy of scavenging. Items that were worthy of presenting to a cherished friend.

Is it weird to be envious of this young girl and her special relationship with what I consider to be a special bird? Maybe. But I continue to be fascinated secretly hoping that someday a special crow will find me worthy of a special gift.