Just a few days ago, early evening, I had an enchanting experience right in front of our house at the magical Pelican Cove. Having called this jungle paradise home for the past 22 years, I can honestly say there’s no place I’d rather be.
I don’t think I mentioned in my previous posts that Pelican Cove is also a bird sanctuary. So, over the years, I’ve been surrounded by a diverse range of avian species, but the one that has truly captured my heart is the crow.
After watching several documentaries in recent years, I became a huge fan of crows, which are considered to be among the top of the most intelligent species on the planet. They not only use tools but are capable of creating tools to use, they recognize faces and, this is the big one, they are the only animal on the planet proven to pass their intelligence somehow to the next generation.
So, whenever I see a crow, and we have quite a few of them here, I stop and try to talk to them – saying “remember my face, I am your friend and admirer”. Silly, I know, but this is what I actually do 🙂
But back to my story. Just a few days ago, I witnessed something extraordinary. Dozens and dozens, perhaps a hundred crows descended upon a single tree and a couple of carport roofs right next to our unit in Pelican Cove. The crows arrived in flocks, each one perching for a brief moment before taking flight again, leaving space for new arrivals. I was utterly captivated and couldn’t resist grabbing my camera to record this remarkable display.
I am not sure what was the reason for that gathering, but it is quite possible that it was a crow funeral. Yes, these intelligent creatures have been observed coming together to mourn their fallen friends. Scientists believe that these gatherings, known as “crow funerals,” serve a crucial purpose. By assembling in this way, crows can learn about potential dangers in the area, thus ensuring their own survival. It’s a powerful testament to the intelligence and social nature of these fascinating birds.
As suddenly as it began, the gathering ended. In almost an instant, the crows dispersed, leaving the tree and garage roof empty once more. This fleeting moment of wonder was a precious gift, and I’m so grateful to have captured some part of it with my camera.
So, the next time you find yourself near crows, take a moment to appreciate their incredible intelligence. They are considered very common, not special birds, not colorful, and don’t sing pretty, but their social behavior and fascinating rituals are amazing. Who knows, you might just witness something as awe-inspiring as my crow gathering.