Crow Update: Sad, sad, sad, a little happy...very anxious😫 (Patreon)

Crow update! I was WRONG. Here. Hang on for the emotional roller coaster.

On our usual walk, we go along a river near the house. Several days ago I heard a weird sound coming from this one lone pine tree in someone's yard. It sounded like a crow, but not a caw I was familiar with. I looked for it, but couldn't see anything.

Cue yesterday's walk and it hit me. That's a baby crow! I stopped and was able to see the nest. Okay, now it all makes sense. THAT'S why they scoffed at the flowers I was offering them. The nest was done. And not only done, but pretty impressive. And Buddy and Sweet Pea being super hungry recently, a little fidgety, and her being less shy about being around me? It wasn't because they were working up an appetite getting freaky trying to make babies...it was because their babies had already hatched! They were busy grubbing for food because they were feeding them. Um...

Now comes the super sad part.

Not them. It. One little wee nestling. At least that's all I hear when I walk by. I really hope there's more but for two days in a row I've only heard the same one.

I figured it out in hindsight. A week or so ago when Richard and I were outside the house, the crows were going nuts. Not just Buddy and Sweet Pea but quite a few friends had joined in and I'm guessing their brood from last year. They were chasing four hawks (you see where this is going...). It was intense and I wasn't sure what was up. I have seen them escort hawks away and nip at their wings. That's so cool. But this kept going on and the hawks weren't leaving. Also, it was in the direction I discovered the nest. 😭I never would have guessed.

Last year they made their nest on the shrine grounds across from my verandah. I assumed they'd make it there this year as well. While I can't be 100% it's them, because theoretically it could be another couple. I can tell them apart when they're close and I can see how they act. At a distance it's nearly impossible. But there really aren't many crows in this area and they have been together more and acting nervous. That weird slightly frenetic behavior started about about the time when the eggs would have hatched, too...All signs point to: it's Buddy and Sweet Pea and that's their little babes up there.

So if my theory is correct. It seems there is only one surviving nestling. And if you thought I was Anxious Nanny before, SuzyG! It's all I can do to not grab a rake and sleep in the tree to beat away hawks. I did see one flying today, but not too close.

I didn't get a video of the lone nestling cawing. I didn't want a neighbor to see me and notice it. Not everyone loves crows and if the call the city...😭 I'd never forgive myself. Rainy today, so I can't go check. I usually try not to give them much food, because I don't want them to depend on me and forget how to dig up worms and do their worst to a beetle. But I'm also thinking, if the wee crow has a full belly it won't cry so much = it will be less noticeable to the neighbors and nasty hawks. So I am giving a little more than usual and a variety of nutritious items as well. They were delighted with the eggs and seeds.

Richard has already given me the circle of life talk. I know, but with these two, I have feelings🥰🐦‍⬛.

Patrons, I'm recording a Bedtime Story this week, there's a recipe I'm dying to try, and also getting stir crazy being in the house all the time, so we're going to do a day trip this Friday.

Oh, Richard took some 360 degree photos near our house. It seems like FB is the only place that allows you to move the mouse around and see the whole photo. Here's a link to those. There are two at the moment, but we'll get more on our trip to Izu!

Everyone stay safe and well, XOXO,

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