The harvest moon shines brightly above the farmlands in Maine this time of year. We are not into the witching hours yet, but a familiar and spooky guest is already enjoying the September corn crops. The ubiquitous American crow.
A glossy bird with jet-colored feathers and a fondness for shiny objects, the crow is linked with fall. They do not fly south for the winter, and feast on the kernels they find in the cornfields. Do you think they are frightened away by the scarecrow? Or with a raucous “caw caw” do you think they’re laughing at us? It sounds like “hah hah” to me!
Whatever they’re bragging about, crows are quite intelligent. They are one of the few species of birds that use tools. They are also omnivorous and could perhaps be looking for insects among the corn. Crows mate for life. The breeding pairs stay together for many years and also become part of crow ‘families.’ Did you know a flock of crows is called a murder? Creepy!
The crow is often associated with its fellow flying cousin, the raven. Ravens are a different species, immortalized in Edgar Allan Poe’s poem. Poe describes the ‘stately raven of the saintly days of yore.’ Crows have long been linked to the otherworld, the land of the dead, and many cultures view both crows and ravens as messengers from the beyond. “Quoth the raven nevermore. Nevermore!”
Take a look at some of the items we’re crowing about this fall. The crow print is bewitching, with a gold star right in the center. The matching candle has the rich fall scent of maple syrup. Our country crow pillow with its sheaves of golden wheat, barn-red background and luscious black crow has a soft velvet back. Dress up your autumn home – and keep an eye on your harvest!
Crow Print
Crow Candle
Crow Pillow
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