American Crows—Photo: Jane Nicholas
Family Time
by Jane Nicholas and Ida Domazlicky
I like to write stories with endings that leave the reader—and me—feeling good. After all, there are enough sad stories to go around. Sometimes, in order to get there, I may take a few liberties. In this case, I admit up front that I cannot be absolutely sure about the identity of the characters, but with a good‑intentioned flight of imagination and a hopeful heart, I will share this tale of a family of American Crows with you.
Last year a pair of American Crows built a nest in a tree behind our house. They raised two chicks. Shortly after fledging, one of the juveniles sustained an injury that left it unable to fly. Fortunately, thanks to caring neighbors, he was transported to a rehabber for expert care. For many days the parents repeatedly called and seemed to be searching for the missing offspring. You see, unlike many species of birds, young crows stay with their parents for two or three years. They stay to learn and to help with the next year’s brood, making it important to return the injured crow to its original territory if possible — and it was! Shortly after his return from rehab, the threesome became a tight foursome, so they were very likely his own family, reunited once more.
American Crow fledgling—Photo: Bob Boekelheide
This could be the happy ending, but there’s a bit more. In spring, a family of four American Crows showed up and moved into the nesting tree. It’s not much of a stretch to believe it was the same family, as crows will often build a new nest each year in the same area. Soon there were two new chicks that needed protecting. All four adults were vigilant guards. Most days I couldn’t go outside without being squawked at for no other reason than my nest was close to theirs. I tried bowing my head and murmuring softly, but they didn’t accept my gestures of goodwill. One day two of them dived at me while I was pulling weeds. I decided then that yard work was less important than giving the crow family some space and peace.
American Crows—Marcie Begleiter/Audubon Photography Awards
After about a month, one of the nestlings began to test his wings. He would flap furiously while trying to maintain his hold on the branch. The other young crow was curious about what his brother was up to, but kept squawking to be fed. It was a few days more before he too flapped and flopped out of the nest. The parents and older siblings encouraged them both to take to the air. There were a few humorous missteps along the way, but soon they were taking short, successful flights under the watchful eyes of the family. Two of the adults flew with them, often swooping down as if to encourage them. The other two kept careful watch from a distance and rejoined the group when flight lessons were over.
I feel so fortunate to have watched this family of four—now six—American Crows working and growing together. They still squawk at me occasionally, but with less ferocity now, so I’m back to weeding. Sometimes I wish I could join this family in their glorious flight time, and we would all live happily ever after. THE END… maybe.
American Crows—Photo: Marian Bodart/Audubon Photography Awards
P.S. Not the end! This family has returned for another year of trimming my lilac bush for their nest and cawing at our Maltese. I’m thrilled to see them every day as they go about their business. This makes four years they have graced us with their presence.