Limping crow

Nesting season is brutal. Crows - like many other birds, I am sure - need to defend their nest with a fierceness that often sees them getting injured. They are remarkable parents and probably the reason why most crows will succeed in their breeding efforts year on year. Most of my crow friends are nesting now, and they rarely come to visit, and that's ok - raising a brood is not an easy task. 

On my walk today, I saw Perses. He was foraging in a grass patch near home when I walked past and I was so pleased to see him... until I noticed that he was limping. I said 'Hi' and he looked at me. For a few minutes after that, I just observed his clumsy hop. It looked like his paw was gone and for a moment my heart stopped. Maybe I was seeing wrong. I can only hope my eyes are playing tricks on me. Somehow he looked vulnerable, far from the majestic crow I am used to. 

So I put down 3 peanuts on the grass ( I always carry peanuts in my pocket these days), and stepped back. He was really struggling to get to the peanuts. The grass was outgrown and I couldn't confirm if his paw was effectively gone or not but he took the peanuts with great contentment. I saw him on my way back, standing tall, perched in one of the local cherry trees a street down, looking after his nest and Asteria. 

I will be monitoring him from now on, even though there is likely very little I can do if he did loose his paw. Crows are resilient and I have to believe this one is no different.

Perses is always looking out for us.

Perses on my roof before nesting season started