Solar-Powered Crows

The crows in the yard do this funny pose when they are sunning their wings. I have read that sunning their feathers like this helps reduce feather mites and other creepy crawlies. Both of my yard crows do this several times a day when it’s sunny out. They really enjoy it, too.

The crows are almost done molting their feathers. I give them their own water dish to encourage them to leave the duck dishes alone.

They perch on the side of the water dish and tip it over when they take off. It works out okay, because then I refill it with fresh water. They visit the water dish every time I’m out in the yard with the ducks.

When they sun, they particularly like to perch on the astroturf. I believe they like how it’s at an angle facing the sun. At other times of year when the sun is in a different part of the sky, they sun on the roof of the house at a different angle. These solar powered crows are very smart.
Happy sunning, you weirdo crows.


7 Comments
You might find this interesting, if you haven’t seen it already:
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/joshua_klein_on_the_intelligence_of_crows.html
I have seen crows do this too – put their wings out. I think they are being generous to your ducks by leaving the creepy crawlers on your lawn so the ducks can eat them. Ducks love bugs and fries…..and frozen peas.
It’s cool that they always come by for a chat when you’re around.
Our two feathery dingbats are going through a weird molt again. Maybe we should put them on the roof of the apartment building for a sunning. Let them be the landlord’s problem for a few hours.
Adorable! I love that they have a detente with the ducks.
I wanted to say that Sunny (and all your critters) is (are) lucky to have a human so in love with her and so concerned for her well-being. As I’ve said before, you are simply incredible and have such a good/big heart.
(Hope this does not get removed.)
I’ve never seen crows sunning like that. Great blog, and cute ducks! Followed your comment on FB in response to Seattle Audubon.
Thank you, Sabrina!