How it all started...

When I decided to befriend crows, I never expected the rollercoaster of emotions I was about to embark on. My relationship with animals has always been deep, special, and unconditional. I was the child that hugged the trees and brought abandoned animals home — much to the dismay of my parents. I grew up surrounded by them, caring for them, loving them, and being heartbroken when they died.  Possibly why I was always a huge advocate for the protection of our environment and ecosystems, particularly the welfare of our animals. Sadly once you grow up, priorities shift. As the years went by, so went the fire that once lit my soul.

Until the pandemic struck. I was in recovery from a serious mental health breakdown when the world declared the COVID-19 pandemic and we were told to lock down. A lot of us were forced to rethink our lifestyles, I was no different. Suddenly, streets were empty and it felt like time had stood still. Nature was the only thing still moving, existing, present. Devoid of human interference, the sun continued to shine, the trees continued to bear fruit, the birds continued to sing and the world flourished.  

Through the uncertainty and fear of disease, nature thrived. We were only able to free ourselves from the shackles of our homes to experience the great outdoors, exercise and breathe some fresh air. The air was definitely purer then, there were barely any cars on the road. I felt I had woken up in a world I could love endlessly, a world where nature felt more alive than ever. That long forgotten fire, now ignited under a new me. It was then my journey with the crows truly started. 

During one of my many daily 'health walks', I came across a large bulky crow, and they seemed to be looking at me. ‘Good morning,’ I said. The crow immediately took off,  spooked by the unexpected interaction. I had read before about people befriending crows, but never gave much thought to it. That failed human-crow interaction was soon forgotten as I continued to walk my way. 

The next day, as I walked past the same tree, the large bulky crow was perching there, again. I ignored the crow and continued my walk, didn’t want to spook him again. The next day, the same crow, the same tree. Now I was the one starting to feel a little spooked. I later found out that crows — like humans — are creatures of habit. This continued over a week or so, until one day the crow was not there. I felt rather sad by this. When I got home, I started to research about the ways I could interact with them. I chose peanuts. 

The next day I went for my walk with my pocket full of monkey nuts. As I walked past the tree, the crow was not there. Again. My heart sunk, I felt genuinely gutted. ‘This is a journey condemned to fail.’ — I thought, looking around only to be met by a curious squirrel. I threw a peanut to the curious squirrel and walked away. 

As I made my way home, I noticed two crows in the distance, quite high up in a tree. I continued walking on my path, which happened to lead to that tree. The crows took off when I approached. I completely lost sight of them. However, when I looked up in the opposite direction, a large, bulky crow had landed in a branch not too far. I stood still, and looked down. If there was one thing I learned from my research was that you never look a crow in their eyes.

I placed two peanuts on the ground and walked away. 

The following day, the bulky crow was perched on the tree. I dropped two peanuts and walked away. This continued for a week, after which the crow brought his wife. This was the start of my friendship with Cronus and Rhea, who would then lead to me getting to know the local murder of crows in the park. That same Spring they introduced me to their first brood. They continue to be my favourite pair out of 7 (including the one that looks after the local murder).

I have been watching these families and social groups interact with one another for over 3 years now, and since then I have learned a great deal about them, and also myself. This journey has somehow placed me back into the path I dreamed of as a child. Walking with the crows has led me to pursue a certification in rehab, rehabilitation and release. I also volunteer my free time to a local rescue, alongside my full-time job as an academic and my family life. It's not always easy, but I am finally doing something I really love and am passionate about. I am surrounded by knowledgeable people who have a kind heart and whose views on wildlife are aligned to my own, and I feel at peace with life.

The easiest part of befriending the crows is routine: daily visits, same time, same treats. The hardest part is to commit to working on the crow-human bond so that it grows and develops over time. Patience is not everyone's cup of tea. It wasn't mine either, so I get that... But this is not a short-term relationship, and during the whole process, I have experienced several disheartening setbacks too. I found the journey painstakingly emotional, not only because you are given the privilege to watch (and be a part of) their lives, but because you will find yourself internally questioning your values as a human being in this world. In a way, this will be what changes you, as  you will be constantly challenged about the way you see life, our world, and ultimately, death. To be honest, this is exactly why my journey has been so transformational, and why I will always love and admire these birds. They brought back the person I always wanted to be when I was growing up.