This story is about the hard to handle wisdom and music of the ninety’s, art, science, prophecy, philosophy, and circling back again, nesting right outside my window. I’ve got heritage that has me counting crows and looking up ancient omens of old. “People have all sorts of opinions about crows and their close cousins, ravens, who are also equally common (and are often mistaken as crows).” A crow flying in from the east or south was considered favorable. Wish I could tell you which cardinal direction that is, but I’m all turned around and “going South”, isn’t an option.
“Perhaps, the interaction of humans with these mighty corvids may have begun right when our first ancestors came in contact with them. In fact, we have evidence that these birds were used as cultural and religious symbols since the ancient past. The Anunnaki is probably the first bird flight plan here, that we “know” of. A prehistoric drawing in the cave of Lascaux in France depicts a crow-headed man, probably symbolizing the soul of a fallen being, or some sort of a totem.” (Source Mysticurious)
“The expression as the crow flies is an idiom for the most direct path between two points, rather similar to “in a beeline”.” “This meaning is from the early 19th century, appearing in Charles Dickens’s 1838 novel Oliver Twist.” “We cut over the fields at the back with him between us, straight as the crow flies, through hedge and ditch.”
Here’s the twist (pun intended, Oliver), though; “Crows do conspicuously fly alone across open country, but neither crows nor bees (as in “beeline”) fly in particularly straight lines.” “While crows do not swoop in the air like (they just don’t care) swallows or starlings, they often circle above their nests.” Source Wikipedia
And circling above our heads, this madness of a March morning, are two crows. Building a nest presumably, for they return with twigs and branches, simulating a cradle. And the “cradle” has been “rocking”, the start of this new year! Let’s hope and pray for the remedy and angels, who call you out by your name.
According to Wikipedia, “A crow’s nest is a structure in the upper part of the main mast of a ship or a structure that is used as a lookout point. On ships, this position ensured the widest field of view for lookouts to spot approaching hazards, other ships, or land by using the naked eye or optical devices such as telescopes or binoculars.”
“Crows make their nests in trees, shrubs, and on utility poles at varying heights above the ground.” “The average height for a crow’s nest is about 24 feet.” “Their nests are cup shaped and made of twigs.” “A female crow will lay 3 to 7 eggs in the nest and incubates them for about 18 days (Just about time for April Fool’s Day or possibly Easter), during which time her male partner will feed her.” Who’s hungry? Worm or grasshopper, sound appetizing?
“Corvidae is a cosmopolitan family of oscine passerine birds that contains the crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws, jays, magpies, treepies, choughs, and nutcrackers. In colloquial English, they are known as the crow family, or, in jargon, corvids. Currently 133 species are included in this family. The genus Corvus, including the jackdaws, crows, rooks, and ravens, makes up over a third of the entire family.” (Source Wikipedia) Fluttering onward.
“The name Corvidae for the family was introduced by the English zoologist William Elford Leach in a guide to the contents of the British Museum published in 1820. Over the years, much disagreement (ruffled feathers) has arisen on the exact evolutionary relationships of the corvid family and their relatives. What eventually seemed clear was that corvids are derived from Australasian (Meaning Australian, New Zealand, and Island hopping close by) ancestors and from there spread throughout the world. Avoiding scarecrows and owls, we’ll fly by corn fields of plenty, and back to New Zealand. Magical country and origins, beauty beyond, and lush with history! Definitely on my bucket-list and in my DNA of ancient Maw maws.
“The natural diet of many corvid species is omnivorous, consisting of invertebrates, nestlings, small mammals, berries, fruits, seeds, and carrion. However, some corvids, especially the crows, have adapted well to human conditions and have come to rely on human food sources. Fast food, ballparks, and my front yard are fan favorites, apparently.
A group of crows is called a “murder.” “Technically, it’s only a manslaughter unless there are probable caws.” Sounds super safe! “There are several different explanations for the origin of this term, mostly based on old folk tales and superstitions.” For instance, there is a folktale that crows will convene and decide the capital fate of another crow.
As if they know the Ides of March are upon us. Luckily, for you, I am superstitious, and when they gathered in front of my yard, felt extremely alarming and equally baffling. That is, until, I realized my sprinkler was broken, and they were all taking turns splashing and bathing, while cackling at me.
“In a US study of American crows, common ravens and Steller’s jays around campgrounds and human settlements, the crows appeared to have the most diverse diet of all, taking anthropogenic foods such as bread, spaghetti, fried potatoes, dog food, sandwiches, and livestock feed. The increase in available human food sources is contributing to population increase in some corvid species.” What an impressive sight, when night falls downtown, and they circle the buildings every dusk. A forewarning to retreat for the evening, a certain must.
“Some corvids are predators of other birds. During the wintering months, corvids typically form foraging flocks. However, some crows also eat many agricultural pests including cutworms, wireworms, grasshoppers, and harmful weeds. Some corvids will eat carrion, and since they lack a specialized beak for tearing into flesh, they must wait until animals are opened, whether by other predators or as roadkill.”
So gnarly and putrid! Just because it’s mentioned already twice, allow me to break it down for you; carrion, is the decaying flesh of dead animals, roadkill, including human flesh. Crows prefer carrion, so their bags are never checked at the airport. Not as into “sweets” as the olden day racist cartoons portrayed, but just as scary. Still, I wouldn’t leave out a fresh pie on any door sill, anyway, any day.
I’ve aptly named their tree, “Oakley” and it’s a perfect starter home for a new budding family. Adjacent to a bursting with blooms, (beyond) cherry tree. No black horse, but I can just imagine a stallion. If there be three, their names; Edgar, Allen, and lastly, Poe. All great poetic possibilities!
Speaking of poetry, genealogy, history, March, along with my jet-black feathered friends; hark the raven nevermore. “First published in January 1845, the poem is often noted for its musicality, stylized language, and supernatural atmosphere. It tells of a talking raven ‘s mysterious visit to a distraught lover, tracing the man’s slow fall into madness.” “The main theme of the poem is one of undying devotion.”
Let’s get a good “grip” and journey forth into the millennium with stealth and health. “The oldest known root on the bird family tree is the raven-size Archaeopteryx, a 150-million-year-old animal that bore a telling mix of attributes.” That’s the oldest mugshot in bird history!
According to Learn Religions, “In some places, it’s not the sighting of a crow or raven itself, but the number that you see which is important. Creepy Basement says, “Seeing just a single crow is considered an omen of bad luck. Finding two crows, however, means good luck. Three crows mean health, and four crows mean wealth. Yet spotting five crows means sickness is coming and witnessing six crows means death is nearby.”
“The Native Americans often saw the raven as a trickster, much like the Coyote. There are a number of tales regarding the mischief of the Raven, who is sometimes seen as a symbol of transformation. In the legends of various tribes, the Raven is typically associated with everything from the creation of the world to the gift of sunlight to mankind. Some tribes knew the raven as a stealer of souls.” No matter where, they are highly intelligent, and I’ve heard a few depictions (This time period), that actually believe, they were their deceased ancestor. Just a quick fly-by ….
“While the Swedes believe that the birds are the enraged ghosts of people who have been killed or murdered, the Danish people believe that they are, in fact, exorcised spirits.” “Some traditions also associate crows and ravens with occultism and dark witchcraft. So, we can see that crows have been looked upon as both good and bad symbols by the world’s mythological traditions.”
Wherever, you shall roam, in this period of time or the ancients from long ago, making prophecies by watching the direction of the bird’s flight, is compelling and intriguing. Being directionally challenged, I won’t be putting this on my resume. Birds of a feather flock together!
“Brân the Blessed, the mythical king of Britain, is represented by crows and ravens in Welsh mythology. According to folklore in the famous Welsh Triads, the king’s severed head was buried on the location where the Tower of London stands today. It was believed that as long as the head remained there, Britain would never be invaded by an outside force. King Arthur, however, is known to have dug up the head, in order to affirm his power and strength in the kingdom. Nevertheless, even today, ravens are looked upon as protective spirits, and the birds are looked after at the Tower of London, under the care of a trained Raven Master.” I would love this job title!
“For those who follow the Norse pantheon, Odin (the Father of all Gods) is often represented by the raven, usually a pair of them. Early artwork depicts him as being accompanied by two black birds, who are described in the Eddas as Huginn and Munnin. Their names translate to “thought” and “memory,” and their job is to serve as Odin’s spies, bringing him news each night from the land of men.” Gossiping isn’t good! I just completely forgot my train of thought; probably need a quick nibble or retrace my steps. Following the breadcrumbs, that have left a trail; I will wonder over here, or there, and evermore.
“Genesis tells us that after the flood waters receded, the raven was the first bird Noah sent out from the ark to find land. Also, in the Hebrew Talmud, ravens are credited with teaching mankind how to deal with death; when Cain slew Abel, a raven showed Adam and Eve how to bury the body, because they had never done so before.” “Despite their role as messengers of doom and gloom, it’s bad luck to kill a crow. If you accidentally do so, you’re supposed to bury it, and be sure to wear black when you do!”
Now pertaining to this story’s nest, eggs, poetry, folklore, we should hop into Easter, refreshed, renewed, and highly decorated. Keep that nest egg close! The crows neighbors are the squirrels in this multi plex, called an oak tree. Alvin, Chip, Dale and the other chipmunks are all disagreeable to the crow’s arrival. Hence, while were perched, things have been harried, squawking, and tense at times.
The term ‘nest egg’ originated in the 14th century or perhaps earlier, when people began putting an egg into a hen’s nest to induce her to lay more eggs. The use of nest-egg’ to refer to savings goes back to at least 1686, and since then, Mr. Jones and I should be saving every cent. If I knew Picasso, I would buy myself a grey guitar and play!
“The allusion is to be putting a real or china egg into a hen’s nest to encourage her to lay. The connection between this and the ‘savings’ meaning isn’t exactly clear. It may be that the idea was that the egg that was put into the nest could be later retrieved, after the hen had laid.” One shouldn’t put all their eggs in one basket.
“This idiom comes from an old proverb, most likely Spanish or Italian, and first found in print during the 17th century. It alludes to gathering all the eggs from your hens into one basket so that if you should drop the basket, you lose all your eggs. This means to risk losing everything by having only one plan or idea and depend entirely on it for your success.”
I’m gonna soak up the sun, I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up, I’m gonna tell ’em that I’ve got no one to blame, for every time I feel lame, I’m lookin’ up. I’m gonna soak up the sun, I got my 45 on, so I can rock on! Usher a renewed since of self, by way of winter and the crows flight for new beginnings. Hope you enjoyed your flight and bird’s eye view, around the world according to an old crow, medicine woman’s show. This wagon wheel has gotta get a move on before the sun, I hear my baby callin’ my name.
Thank you for spending time in this crow’s nest with me and walking among the crow’s feet. Maybe a game of crow-quet next time we meet again? I’ve got some good puns on crows, but I won’t keep crowing about it.” “Don’t give up at this stage, just keep cawing on, you will do great.” This is a disclaimer for anyone who needs one; this story is completely fictional and for entertainment purposes only. God speed!
Beyond Sirius Sea 