Stuff of legends. Companion of kings. Omen of death and evil. God of ancient civilizations. Harbinger of war. Hero or villain of myth and literature. This bird has some serious baggage.
Not what you’d expect at the local garbage dump. (They’re regulars.)
As a portent they may seem unkempt, irascible, and every bit annoying as crows (Oscar the Grouch of birds?), but if you see one circle your chimney three times, you’d be wise to settle your affairs. :)
But can they really foretell your future? Does one tapping on the window really augur death? Can one really find you true love? Do they really know the secrets of the dead? Are they really ghosts of murdered people?
These are serious questions that date back hundreds even thousands of years, so I shouldn’t presume to answer them.
But I will.
HECK NO! They are just birds for crying out loud. : )
Distinguishing Marks: Scruffy appearance, especially the neck. Wedge-shaped tail. Hawk-sized-large. Talks back.
Boring Fact: These birds seem to have an unlimited number of calls. And they’re vocal about everything: warning, greeting, alarm, even mourning. They squawk, whistle, click, growl, and knock. But the most impressive thing about all the sounds they make?
Not one of them is pleasing. : )
