Please forgive the lack of crow news so far in 2026.
I had resolved to share lots more crow and raven stories this year on the blog, but I’ve found myself creatively paralyzed and spending far too much time doomscrolling.
I shared my feelings on my Facebook and Instagram feeds this week— leading to a flood of comments, which resulted in a couple of days spent trying to respond to all the people who got in touch — whether to support or berate. There was a lot more support than criticism — so that was heartening.
I DO plan to start sharing new stories on here soon, but first, I think I need to share those same thoughts with those of you who aren’t on social media.
It began with a post on Friday in support of the demonstrations in Minnesota and the efforts of Minnesotans to stand by their neighbours, along with one of my own personal heroes, Agnes, the small but determined bushtit.
Sending love and determination to those in Minnesota protesting today (and every other day) against ICE and looking out for their neighbours.
Agnes the Bushtit is small and very determined; she sends some of her resolute energy your way. ❤️
There was some dismay from followers that I was becoming too political. I sat on those thoughts over the weekend and wrote a more comprehensive post on Monday.
This is the post:
I received some blowback for my post last Friday, in which I sent good wishes and strength to those Minnesotans out in the cold, standing up for and protecting their neighbours against ICE. I was told to “stay out of politics.” Here is why I won’t be doing that.
When photographing, videoing, writing about, and otherwise making art about crows and ravens, I am always looking for connection.
I hope that the viewer’s main reaction to my images will be one of recognition and kinship — the realization of all that binds us.
Whether it’s birds playing with snowballs, tenderly grooming each other, gazing right back from their own world and into ours — I hope my posts bring a little light and feeling of connection.The kinship quest seems a little hopeless at times, however.
Some of us cannot even seem to acknowledge our common humanity, let alone our connection to the rest of the natural world.
The events in Minnesota last weekend and throughout January have been heartbreaking. I am finding it hard to get any work done — stories about crows and ravens seem somehow frivolous at this time.
I can’t help feeling I should be doing more — but photographing birds and writing about them seems to be my limited, but most useful skill.
I will continue my work as best I can, including sharing thoughts on what is going on in the bird and human worlds.What is happening at the moment is far beyond politics — it’s about right and wrong, truth and blatant lies.
As with most artists, my work and my beliefs are inextricable — so, please don’t tell me (or other artists) that we should just be quiet and provide soothing images for the world to end by.
That isn’t our job.
Some social media followers have been lost following these posts.
I may also lose some blog subscribers — but I feel I must speak out before I can try to return to the day-to-day of hyper-local crow stories.
News to come on Marvin, Mavis, Lucky Two, Earl and Echo and their expanding clan, Fearless Fred, the Berries and more.
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Thank you for post! You may have lost some followers, but you certainly earned my respect and appreciation! I agree with what you said about not telling artists to “just be quiet and provide soothing images for the world to end by.” I think that phrase will stick with me for a while.
I support you in your allround effort to keep both the natural and human world in harmony, and to be concerned with the wellbeing of both. If that’s politics to some people, so be it. Likewise, there are people out there who prohibit discussions of politics and religion at the dinner table. They don’t understand the most basic tenet of democracy: the free and participatory conversation between people and to agree, in a civil manner, to disagree.
I love this. You have written it beautifully. Thank you.
Good for you! It is important at this time to stand with the people of Minnesota and all the people who are fighting against the cruelty and injustice we are seeing from the masked thugs and bullies terrorizing law abiding citizens and immigrants on a daily basis. Shame on the Republican Party that is making this brutality possible. Donald Trump should be tried for crimes against humanity along with all of his lickspittle followers.
You don’t need to apologize!!!!
Thanks for all your dedication to your important work. Always look forward to your viewing your photos and reading your updates!
You will never lose me. I think the post with Agnes was beautiful and uplifting. I think people will look at Agnes and feel a connection to the same feelings they have about what is going on. Her face says it all. And, you are one of the brave humans who will stand up and speak when horrific wrongs are going on. Where has our common decency gone? People should only post what they wouldn’t be afraid to say in person to someone. Social media has made many cowards feel brave because there is no consequence for them. FB has a way of sucking the life out of you sometimes.
Honestly, what is life – but politics and the discourse over how it is conducted in a civil society? Whether the appalling and depraved massacre of a herd of ostriches in the most cruel way possible – or the heartless and cold killing of civilians in Minneapolis, it’s hard to remain quiet about all going on currently, over in another corner conducting one’s life and art. Have never understood how these could possibly be separate silos we are all to just ignore and .. move along.. about. These are utterly dark times – and one should continue one’s creative or work pursuits AND have an opinion on what is going on, no matter what one’s walk of life or the “lane” one is in. Further, for those with a bit of a podium to express those opinions, even better. It’s called democracy and civil discourse as those above have stated – and is the only way to live. Anything less, and we do start moving into a much darker, oppressive society. Your thoughts are always appreciated here, June.
I think that was beautifully expressed. I agree with you completely. Clearly well thought out .it’s very important for artists to speak out. I get great peace from your photographs there are times when it’s important not to be silent and to be a witness. And I think this is one of them. I appreciate that you care.
Art and politics and life and love and loss and connection are all inseparable. Please keep on being the wonderful humane human you are, keep on bringing kindness and connection to those around you, through your viewpoints and your camera lens and your creations. We need more of these things in this world, especially in these very dark times. You are keeping the spark of hope alive and lit. You are bringing light when we need it most. Thank you.
I agree with you June. It is hard to understand how this cruelness can continue in the US
June,
Well said. Respectful, to the point. Your message expresses what many are feeling.
And I’m still here. The ravens bring us so much joy in this chaotic world, please don’t give up sharing their lives with us. /Elaine R.
Oh June, God bless you! I absolutely agree 110 percent with you. The goings on in the States IS about right and wrong, truth and blatant lies. I hear you! I found the second murder of someone trying to do the right thing for his fellow citizens particularly (not that the others aren’t) distressing, as I too am a nurse. Somehow, that felt like, and still does, a particular sock in the gut. We ARE interconnected in the web of all living things.
But, back to birds, that’s hilarious that you named that oh-so-determined Bushtit Agnes!
Good name! I wouldn’t want to mess with her!! I call all the female Bushtits Agnes, and all their menfolk Arnold.
One hundred percent behind your thoughtful opinion, and your right to express it as you choose.
God bless you June. Speak your truth.
I feel certain that you will not let your beautiful voice be silenced and, for that, I am deeply grateful.
“As with most artists, my work and my beliefs are inextricable — so, please don’t tell me (or other artists) that we should just be quiet and provide soothing images for the world to end by.“
Bruce Springsteen could not have said it better. 😉
I support you 100%,keep doing what you are doing we love you!
couldn’t agree more, and I normally avoid political commentary like the plague. BUT, enough is enough.
June, thank you for your comments about Minnesota! It’s very heartening for us in the US to see that our neighbors are standing with us. Remember that most of us didn’t vote for this horrible bully. I am furious and ashamed at what he is doing. Many of us are organizing and training to stand up to this madness. When the world seems unbelievably dark it is such a gift to look at your photos and read about your neighborhood crows. Thank you for what you do, it brings some much needed light into the world.
If politics is about who is doing what to whom, then all life is political, including bird life. And since it is the artists who have saved and will save societies from dictators, please keep on doing what you are doing. And yes, your art does also lighten a dark time. Thank you.
What is happening in Minneapolis is horrific. Why shouldn’t you be able to say what you feel about it? We all should speak out as far as we are able. I applaud the courage of Minnesotans. If you don’t speak out you are next.
Thank you June. Your Agnes post made me smile and give thanks that so many people in so many place are trying to maintain their humanity, shine a light on what is happening and stay connected to community. I appreciate you.
June, please continue to express yourself and know that those who care are right there with you, and the rest are chaff in the wind. The impact of ICE in Minnesota and elsewhere is absolutely horrific, and Canadians must not become complacent. Alberta is in the sights of Americans who are promoting (and funding) separatist efforts. Canadian companies are potentially supporting ICE (ex. Hootsuite providing social media services to DHS; Jim Pattison Developments selling a warehouse to ICE in Virginia). I agree with others that life is political; we make choices everyday that impact our world, including how we react to events outside our own circles.
Thank you June ❤️
Truly thank you
I wholeheartedly agree with you. This is about right and wrong, and the loss of human decency.
You have my full support and unending admiration, as well as gratitude for your beautiful stories and photos of the crow world. I find them, the crows, endlessly fascinating, and their likeness to ourselves somehow comforting, in its close connection as part of nature.
I totally understand your need to comment on the current horrendous situation you are suffering under right now. I live in the UK, and we overwhelmingly stand beside you, and sympathise with you.
Keep writing, keep posting. It affects us all, one way or another. And Thank you for doing so.
On every level…. THANK YOU!
Dear June,
I understand completely the way you feel right now; you would have to be heartless not to feel anything, and you’re certainly not in that group. Here is the way I cope: I feed birds, I watch birds and I write about birds in my local paper. Oh, I almost forgot: I also read about birds, including your wonderful stories. And I have stopped watching the news, especially when a certain orange president shows up. Maybe I’m the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand, but it suits me fine. Keep writing about your crows and your ravens: make no mistake, we need you right now, more than ever. It is also the best therapy for yourself. Be well, keep birding and writing.
Bravo! Please know you’re not alone in your distress, moral commitment to neighbors, and need to speak up. I need your crows and comments even more these days. Bravo!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Happy to read all of them.
Very well said !!
John – Woodbury, Mn
(19 miles from Minneapolis)
Bravo!
Kaddos to YOU June.
You go, girl! I’m with you!
I, too, am appalled at what is going on in the U.S.and I applaud you for speaking up!
Thank you!
It’s been very well said by all who have commented – what you do enriches all our lives, your photos and stories educate and foster deeper appreciation of the world we share with all creatures (great and small!)
I’m a very positive and grateful person, but everyone needs a little Agnes the Bushtit in their lives to keep them on an even keel, and recognize just how lucky they are –
You just keep doing you, June👍👏❣️
Love your blog, love your photos, love your thoughts, love your politics. Please continue all. If ever there was a time to speak our feelings, this is it. Also, the irony of people trying to police your voice and tell what you can express and where is not lost on me. Big virtual hugs to you and please keep strong and carry on.
Good for you. How can anyone ignore what’s going on and, if they do, insist that others keep their heads in the sand too? To me, those people are complicit intentionally or unintentionally. We’re stronger together. Keep fighting the good fight!
I say good riddance to those who can’t understand that if we don’t stand together in right/wrong. To see such actions in a so called democracy, makes it impossible to ignore when we know the rise of evil is a slow and steady one. Good for you making your thoughts so clear and positive. Your images are much appreciated and bring great joy and calm. Thank you
June, thank you for your honesty and bravery. I only discovered you last month and love your work with our neighbors, the birds. It would be easy and selfish to only want to enjoy your beautiful images and stories, but truly if we can’t maintain our humanity toward other humans what hope do we have of maintaining it toward all of our fellow beings? I appreciate and encourage you deeply.
Sarah