This is the third year I’ve participated in the annual Germany-wide “count the birds in your backyard” project. I was inspired to take part by my cat Smokey, who loved watching birds, and now I do it in his memory.
Smokey was smart enough not to sit outside for a full hour on the coldest day of the year so far. I am not. The warmth of the sun burst through the clouds about five minutes after I finished my shift. I cannot feel my feet.
Despite the full birdfeeder, I saw three birds that weren’t crows.
There is a murder of thirty or so cat-sized crows living by the daycare and playground, feeding on discarded snacks and unattended dogs. Today four of them were in my street, walking down it like they own it. Which, of course, they do, because who will challenge them? Nobody smaller than a German Shepard.
The results of the survey will be published in a few weeks. I look forward to learning if all the crows of Germany are bent on world domination, or just the ones around here.
Very nice! I would like to get into bird watching and bird counts, too. Maybe this year, assuming I am healthy!