"August Crows"

acrylic on paper, framed, image is 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Crows are remarkable creatures and are found all over the world. Only recently scientists have documented them using tools to obtain food, which of course, rocketed them right up next to us in intelligence on the food chain. I doubt that came as a surprise to most farmers. Native Americans have honored them for centuries, understanding their innate intelligence and wisdom. They represent sacred law, as opposed to human law, and are considered an omen of change. Ancient Chiefs believed Crow has the ability to see past, present and future at the same time, as well as light and darkness and inner and outer reality. The American Crow is a powerful Eastern symbol along with the Crane. Did you know it was also in the running along with the Bald Eagle for our national symbol? Wouldn't the question "What difference would having the Crow as a national symbol made in our history and culture? make for great conversation over after dinner port?

As with all birds, for me the most wonderful moment is when they gather which is what I was capturing in this little piece. I find great beauty in their whirling descent, in the sound of their wings and their raucous calling to each other. Huge avian flocks are lost to us now, but the crow remains one of those birds that still congregates in large numbers at the end of the day to return to the same roosting spot. They are also one of the few birds who have extended family. Those birds that do not mate, stay connected to their parents and help care and feed for the next brood.....pass the port.