Perses and Asteria

I met Perses and Asteria by chance. The pandemic led to a succession of lockdowns, so I was working from home and the kids were homeschooling. As a result, we spent a considerable amount of time in the garden or in the conservatory. One day I noticed the bonded pair perched on the nearby cherry tree, looking down at me when I was sorting out my back garden. The tall, branchy tree has one of the best views of the neighbourhood, and it's a popular one amongst the corvids. 

When they were not looking at me with curiosity (and sometimes a little bit of disdain), they were preening each other. I remember thinking that affection is something that even birds shared with one another, it struck a chord within me. The human lack of empathy and compassion towards nature and all its living things is something that has been really bothering me these days. I would often find myself looking for them on the cherry tree after that. 

They would usually land there at 5pm on the dot. Sometimes their juvenile from last year - Hecate - would join them, other times the magpies and the jackdaws, and other times they'd just be on their own, looking in the distance, so peaceful and calm. A couple of times I saw them spring to action like thunder though (this usually happened when another crow or bird of prey made an appearance)...and, oh boy, it was quite a ruckus!

Crows defend their territories and resources fiercely. They are extremely bright, recognising those that harm them, and passing that knowledge onto the next generation. How, nobody really knows exactly. On the other hand, crows are also very loyal to those who treat them well, and loyalty is repaid with all sorts of gifts, treats, and even warnings of danger. Who wouldn't want a friendship like this? 

 We had been observing each other from a distance for a while when I decided to leave them some peanuts and see if they'd dare to pick them up. They didnt show much interest... until one day they did. We have been building up an amazing relationship since then. During my daily walks I often find them jumping from roof to roof, making sure I arrive home safely. The word spread quickly, and soon enough I had over 30 crows waiting for me in the main park to get their treats. No gifts so far, but to be honest I get so much from them already. 

Asteria

Perses

Nothing is worth more than a wild animal seeing you, trusting you, not fearing you.