We have become more involved in the local crow culture. The crows know Pat to be an empathetic person and trust her to do right by them. A crow was injured a couple of weeks ago and came to Pat for help. I guess I will now have to refer to our home as “Pat’s Crow Rehab Center.”

Pat glanced out the front window and saw something black beside the crows’ water bowl. She went outside to check it out and as she got closer, she could see that there was a crow lying there. She could see it was distressed and tried to get close enough to pet it. As she got within a few feet of it, she apparently had entered the crow’s threat zone, and it heaved itself onto its feet and then flew to the neighbor’s rooftop. When Pat backed off, it returned to the water bowl. Pat observed the crow as it flew and when it landed and noted that one leg or foot was injured, and the feathers on one part of the body were in disarray. The crow tried to stand on one leg but was too weak and fell over.

The next few days were tough. The crow spent the days laying by the water bowl or laying in our yard or our neighbor’s yard as he healed and regained his strength. Pat fed him where he was and kept the water bowl filled clear to the top so he could just stick his beak in and drink while lying down.

After six days, he was able to stand on one leg and curled the injured leg up under himself. Once in a while, he would touch the injured leg to the ground just to help maintain his balance.

After ten days, he was flying back and forth across the street to the neighbor’s rooftop. It was like an exercise regimen that he was performing to build his strength. About this time, another crow appeared. It is smaller than the injured guy, so we figure it is his mate. It hangs around all day and keeps him company.

Pat talked to the crow a lot. During those first few days when the crow was in his worst condition, Pat gave him a lot of attention. She would go out and say things like, “How are you this morning? How do you feel today? You look better!”  The crow watched her and from the tone and inflection of her voice, he knew she was being solicitous. He always paid attention.   

We didn’t know where the crow had been spending his nights. He couldn’t fly well, so he didn’t go far. He also sometimes disappeared during the day. We knew he was within hearing range because Pat could call him in. If she wanted to give him a snack, she would go to the door and yell, “Crow crow!” and, in a few seconds, he would stop by.

An alternate place to hang out would be the big tree across the street. It had leafed out and within its branches would be a great place for a crow to hide while recuperating. The crow spent a few hours each day there and couldn’t be seen. However, when Pat called at snack time, he came roaring out.

He’s been in rehab a few weeks now. The crow looks good, flies well, and can stand on one leg without falling over. I don’t know how much longer he will want to enjoy the food and care of Pat’s Rehab Center. We have enjoyed his company. Pat didn’t go looking for a bunch of crows, but they found her. She seems to have a special aura for attracting creatures.  It has been good for all of us.

Dave Thomas

5/14/26