I shared the story of the eagles and crows. It is only fair to attempt to have a good word to say about The American Crow. This solid black bird covers most of the country. It is NOT in Rockport, but probably will be some day. Crows and Ravens can appear the same. The Raven is a larger bird however.
Crows do not have a real good reputation. They have fans, however. You can join a crow club, if you wish. It is ASCAR, American Society of Crows and Ravens. I have no idea what their agenda is, but they are out there. Crows are intelligent birds, as are ravens. They are quite adaptable. Their diet is whatever comes their way. They eat grasshoppers and other insects, cutworms, garbage, mice, bird eggs, and many other not so delectable items.
I have a crow story. Ann and I were camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. I was scanning a large field and nearby trees for birds. Across the field I saw a crow (or raven) perched high in a dead tree. Suddenly he began to call frantically. The field in front of me exploded with small birds as they took flight for the nearest woods. What was going on? In a matter of seconds it was clear, for a huge hawk soared out of the trees and flew low over the field in front of me. The dozens of birds who had been there were safely hidden in the nearby forest. This crow had heard the hawk calling and sent a warning to the birds exposed in that open field! I was absolutely amazed! I didn't know of such bird antics, but saw it happen. I watched and waited for several minutes in that place and the little field birds began to come back. The crow left and the hawk never returned. It's great for those birds to have a life-saving "friend" in the crow.
It's also a blessing when we have a friend or friends like that. Today, friends of ours are sounding calls of alarm about swine flu. They are appreciated warnings. I have posted some of them in our kitchen. I am trying to observe the necessary protections to avoid this harsh disease. Through the years I have received many calls of warning. Some I heeded and others were ignored in my youthful ignorance. We also have a responsibility to SOUND a warning to others when appropriate. Children and young people need them at times. Adults too. New Testament writings are filled with concise warnings. Here is one from John 1: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." A warning "Caw Caw Caw!"
