Einstein - Clever Crow

1995 was the year that Einstein introduced me to the world of birds.

I was putting a dish of fresh water out on the lawn for the birds when I noticed a crow fly down to have a drink.

A few few days later I threw out some brown bread for the birds so not to waste it. Einstein flew down and picked up some bread

and proceeded to dip it in the water to soften it. Being ignorant about birds and their ways I found his action quite amazing although

at the time I didn't know how amazing crows (corvids) are.

He waited daily for a some treat and I would enjoy watching him and

his antics. And so I called him Einstein because I thought it was such a clever thing to do. Of course Einstein is no more but if you want to see what he looked like there are plenty of his relatives 

around. Look for a large black bird on the lawns or in the trees in many towns like Cambridge and you'll see Einstein.

Then we moved, but Einstein had planted a seed. I wanted to learn more about crows and corvids. The poor crows have often had a bad press

over the years due to their blackness and diet of dead meat and were often taken as an omen of death in the old days. So next time you see

a large black bird look further and be aware that members of the corvid family have the mental capacity of a 5 year old.  They are

renowned for their intelligence. Crows can count, they use tools, they recognise themselves and other humans to give a few examples. They bring gifts

to people who have helped and fed them to give just a few examples.  The crows that come to my garden caw when they see me no doubt

r eminding me they would like a couple of peanuts or a fat ball.

I now have many birds coming to my garden to the feeder, long tailed tits gold finches, robins, dunnocks, great tits, blue tits, collard doves

to name just a few, and I'm learning all about them and their habits and not forgetting to mention the crow all due to Einstein.

Wildlife is under threat including many bird species, so stop and think how you can help. By joining groups like the RSPB, helping feed birds over winter etc.

Thank you Einstein.  Clever crow. So, next time don't use the term ' Bird Brain'  in a derogatory way because it's actually a compliment not an insult.

Susan de Obaldia.