Ah yes… Spring. Here in Ohio, Spring wildflowers are just beginning to stretch their small green (and sometimes purple) leaves through the fallen leaves to begin soaking up that precious sunlight. The days are getting slightly longer and slightly warmer and we are all excited to be outside more wearing less layers.

Also, here in nature class we’re talking to Crows! Wait… what? Yup, we’re listening to and talking to (and with) Crows… those big black, noisy birds that usually only think about at Halloween.

This Winter I have had the privilege to work a bit with Dr. Jennifer Campbell-Smith, an expert when it comes to Crows! We connected via Facebook and she was so excited about our nature connection program here at BFA/LDBB that she created a whole bunch of activities using her knowledge and resources for our kiddos to really connect with Crows… thus, the “Caw”s for celebration (I’ll admit, I’m happy with that dad-joke).

What Dr.Campbell-Smith really wants us all to understand is how smart, complicated, social, and loving Crows really are! So most of March we are taking a deep-dive into the life of Crows: their intelligence, their emotions, and their family life!

I’ve heard and read that Crows are roughly as smart as a 4-5 year old human when it comes to problem-solving ability etc. I find that comparison a little tricky to measure… but nevertheless, we had a blast last week trying to solve a puzzle that a Crow can complete in 40 seconds. Here’s the video of the Crow getting the shiny bucket out of the jar.

This week, we’re focusing on the different calls of the American Crow. We all know they say “Caw”, but did you know there are different meanings based on context and intensity of the sound? (Click link for an awesome and easy-to-understand video from Brian Mertins). Plus, who knew that Crows can rattle, coo and make all sorts of other non-caw noises? Listen to a few of those here.

Just like people, Crows also rely heavily on body language. We are learning some of the basic body language of crows this week: head-bobbing with repetitive, low-intensity “Caws” usually means a Crow is talking to other Crows with no threats nearby. A wing-pumping, tail-flaring Crow who sounds like he’s straining his voice is likely yelling at a threat and trying to recruit other nearby Crows to help chase them away. For an amazing chart of Crow language and activities you can do at home (all created by Dr. Campbell-Smith) click here!

So, now that you’ve read a primer on our black-feathered brothers and sisters, I wonder if you’ll hear any in your neighborhood? Chances are good that you will. I wonder what your Crow neighbors are up to today? I wonder how they’re feeling? Go outside and listen, look… and find out! By the way, scientists like Dr. Campbell-Smith are continuously learning new things about Crows… we definitely have NOT figured them all the way out yet… I wonder fi you’ll discover something new?

You can message me about what you hear and who you meet on my instagram: @jaredthenatureguy

Also, guess what? I’m working on converting my 6 acres into all Ohio-native plants to educate kiddos, and give away… maybe to you! You can plant them at your house and have animal parties out your window… plant it and they will come (the butterflies and hummingbirds that is).

If you want to support my dream (I trying to buy a $230 greenhouse to grow native plants quicker and earlier to give away… and grow organic food for my fam too!) checkout my Etsy! I’ve made a bunch of nature art using bits of my land… and even the sky! 100% of sales goes towards the greenhouse! I’ve got about $200 to go! Of course, my books are always available too… including my 3rd book With Feathers and Feelings about bird language… including activities your family can do in your yard!