Sometimes I wonder if we’d be better off with crows in charge.
While photographing my local corvids, I often make small talk.
I ask them how they’re doing, if they’ve picked a nesting site yet, how the night at the roost went — general neighbourly chit chat.
Sometimes, I tell them what’s going on in the human world.
Partly for my own sanity, I’ve been working on a new series of crow portraits which, at least in my own imagination, offer snippets of practical advice for living through these “interesting” times.
The series is called THE CROW HELPLINE …
CROW COMMENTARY
This is Dolores, mate to Dennis and mother of Tufty, the 2024 fledgling suffering from avian pox, Dennis and Dolores have kept Tufty going through several cold and snowy weeks this winter. Dennis acquires food for Tufty and guards him or her, while Dolores acts as lookout, cawing out loud warnings of any impending danger.
To the casual observer, she may seem to be just a loud crow — but, as with all crow commentary, there is always a deeper meaning behind it.
RISKY BUSINESS
This is Norman, taking the tricky route along the picket fence. Sometimes everything seems fraught with danger, but you just have to take one tricky step after another and conquer the challenge.
CROW OF DISCERNMENT
Dennis could be described as a skeptic. He likes to double check his facts in this complicated world, making him a role model of good judgement and sense.
WADE IN
Sometimes the situation seems overwhelming — so you just need to take a deep breath and wade right in to get to the other side. This is Earl, a particularly inspiring crow.
TENACIOUS
Earl is an elderly and very photogenic crow of my acquaintance. He and his beautiful mate, Echo, have produced several generations of local crow characters. Once Earl makes his mind up, he’s an immovable crow — the epitome of tenacity!
MINDFUL CROW
“Be mindful” is such good advice — so why do I find it so hard to follow?
Watching mindfulness practiced by my local crows may be my best route to inner peace!
WISTFUL
Sometimes it’s OK just to feel sad and a bit confused.
HANG IN THERE
Crows are experts at adapting to challenging circumstances with aplomb. We can only aim for a small fraction of their graceful flexibility in our own lives.
BE ALERT
It is always wise to be on the alert, as Earl knows all too well.
SPEAK OUT
When things are wrong, don’t be afraid to speak out. Bongo is never a bird to keep his opinions to himself.
PERSPICACIOUS CROW
Norman the crow likes to get a view of things from all angles before reaching important decisions.
OUT ON A LIMB
Sometimes, you may feel as if you’re out on a limb.
As precarious as things may feel, Norman recommends adapting to the situation with as much nonchalance as you can muster. Fake it till you make it!
STRONGER TOGETHER
Earl has one crooked leg and Echo is blind in one eye but, together, they are local crow power couple; parents, grandparents and great grandparents to many other crow characters. They have each other’s backs at all times.
PHILOSOPHER CROW
I include Philosopher Crow with the theme of this series although it’s an older portrait. Mavis, with just that slightest tilt of the head, seems to suggest a world of crow philosophy. Mavis remains, after many years, my best-selling print.
You can find all of these new prints in my CROW CHARACTERS gallery.
Oh, and one last comment from Bongo.
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