This morning, Pat stopped out front to feed the crows. It was quiet and, so far, none of the birds had shown up. She started distributing the English walnuts and bread on the driveway, but there were still no crows in sight. Becoming concerned by their absence, she gave the food cry, “Caw, caw, caw, caw.” After a moment, from way off in the distance, she heard an answering “Caw, caw, caw, caw.” Pat backed off from the food, and it was probably less than a minute before a crow came swooping down and started eating. Another minute or so went by, and three more crows swooped in and began eating.

The cawing Pat heard in the distance seemed to have two purposes. It let Pat know that she had been heard, and also summoned the other three crows to breakfast.

Dave Thomas

12/28/23