Ever since reading Crow Planet: Essential Wisdom from the Urban Wilderness by Lyana Lynn Haupt, I've had a different attitude about crows. I used to feel a sense of foreboding when I would arrive home to find a flock of crows perched in our pine trees. I attribute that to too much Edgar Allen Poe consumption as a child.
Now when I see a bunch of the shiny black fellows lingering in the backyard this time of year, I simply watch and enjoy their activities and antics. And besides that, they hold grudges and have memories more like elephants. So, I try to tread lightly whenever they're around.
Once while watching a single crow pluck two frogs from our pool and attempt to eat the both of them "on the hop" at the same time, turning from side to side while munching away, I couldn't help but admire his ambition.
These super intelligent birds are probably not easily fooled by scarecrows, although man has been using them for over 3000 years to frighten off crows and other hungry birds.
No matter, scarecrows like the ones at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are more delightful than scary. Chosen from a juried competition, they are whimsical and imaginative, appealing to both young, old and in between. The show runs until November 6.
