Large Fierce Mammal

By now it should be well known that I hold Crows and Ravens in the highest regard. They’ve inspired me more than a few times, and hold every promise, as with any Esteemed Friend, of continuing to do so. I have stood enthralled in the teeth of gale force winds, watching Crows swoop, spin, tuck their wings and plummet – seeming to body surf the maelstrom – all the while calling joyously to one another as though proclaiming, “Watch me! Watch me!”

A few months ago, Mrs. LFM and I were stopped at a traffic light while in the process of making our way out of Halifax. There was a strong steady wind coming from hehind us, and just as we came to a stop we observed a Crow coming in from our left, low over the trees and moving fast across the wind. Abruptly, he turned sharply left so the wind was behind him, visibly accelerated, and then executed a perfect barrel roll  before flying off cawing the accomplishment to the world. We always feel honoured by displays such as this. Those that require us to be in the exact place and time whereat Nature will bestow Her favour.

Dogs and Crows share a common trait in finding joy from wind, water, and snow. In winter, our Dogs become frisky in the extreme at the first sight of snow covered ground, plunging into snow drifts with abandon, biting it, swimming on their sides in it, and sliding down embankments. So too do Crows, and to brighten your day, I invite you to watch the fun that follows. Thanks to my Esteemed Friend Jim Keating for bringing it to my attention. He thinks they’re really sorcerers posing as Crows, but you’ll just have to make up your own mind.