Just Like Clockwork

When the calendar says September, you can be sure there will be crows walking the field behind the house.  It is, after all, grasshopper and cricket season.  There were three crows on patrol this morning. This one, definitely a juvenile, looks ready to drop a feather, a process called "fledgling molt". Eventually, it will be solid, shiny black. Crows stay in family groups, sometimes for years and will care for each other if one becomes injured. I remember decades ago, a neighbor's husband passed away.  He fed the crows in his yard and formed strong bonds with them.  After his funeral, his wife returned home to find the yard filled with crows seemingly standing vigil.  After a few hours they flew away and she never saw the large flock again.  My extra is the latest in my photographic series, "What Winnie the Chuck Ate Today".  This time it was a delicious slice of a ripe tomato. He spun it around and around as he nibbled the edges.  So cute!