You know you’re a special kind of nerd…when your phone’s autocorrect changes a text about COVID into a very confusing message about CORVIDS. 

This happened to a friend recently and she said it led to a lot of questions about why a facility would be closed because of Crows. “It got very Hitchcocky for a minute.”

So what’s a corvid? 

If you’re wondering why corvids (the category of birds that includes Blue Jays and American Crows and Ravens) are worth texting attention then this is a great time to learn more about the fascinating and brilliant Corvidae family.

Time to count the Crows

As the whole world revs up for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC, Feb. 18-21, 2022), it is difficult not to focus on attempts to find the most interesting, unique, and even unlikely sightings in our backyard. The event is focused on getting a notion of how many birds there are around the world, and it is the ultimate community science project. Anyone and everyone can participate – all eyes and ears needed – and scientists will use our findings in their work to conserve avian populations. Hundreds of thousands of bird enthusiasts participate each year.

But as we look for those elusive birds – flitting Golden Kinglets, chattering Yellow-Rumped Warblers, shy Eastern Towhees –  it’s worth spending a minute to get to know the old faithful of the feeders – House Finches, Carolina Wrens, Northern Cardinals, Song Sparrows, Blue Jays and, yes, even Crows.

Upcoming birding events at Hungry Mother

Hungry Mother State Park is offering some pre-GBBC Corvid education at the park right now that you can do on your own, or attend our Brainy Birds event (Feb. 12, 2022). Since Crows have the amazing ability to solve problems, in our beach area we are currently displaying a problem that Crows can solve – but can you?

Crows also have the keen ability to remember faces (something I struggle with now that I’m hitting my 60s). And, they’ve even been known to have funerals for their fallen feathered friends – bringing little gifts as an expression of condolence. 

In addition to the Crow puzzle at the Hungry Mother beach area, you can also learn more from the birding experts who will gather at the park on Feb.19, 2022, to lead educational bird spotting walks during the GBBC. Find the crew gathering at 9:30 a.m. in the Discovery Center parking lot (2854 Park Boulevard, Marion, VA 24354). You can pick up a granola bar or a piece of fruit (snacks furnished by Holston Rivers Virginia Master Naturalist) and then head out to see who in the bird world will fly in to be counted (see full event details). 

Perhaps you’ll spot a brilliant Crow.

Find more ways to participate in the GBBC with us at Hungry Mother State Park, by clicking here for our upcoming events.