Hello Friends,

This morning I decided to do something a little different.  I used a blue pen to draw a crow. The notes are so I remember how to correct a couple of things.  I have a friend, Kath Unsworth, who lives in Australia.  She has painted some amazing crows and ravens.  Check out her art/writing about ravens and crows at her blog:  https://kathunsworth.com/2016/11/19/november-moon/   So when I saw a book about crows I was immediately reminded of her much like many people say they think of me when they see sea turtles.  That still amazes me.

One day when I was at the library a little over three weeks ago, (shhh…..it’s a little late!)  I happened upon a “Scientists in the Field” picture book called “CROW Smarts – Inside the Brain of the World’s Brightest Bird” by Pamela S. Turner.   The photographs are by Andy Comins with art by Guido De Filippo.  

Besides living the life of an author, wife, and mom, Pamela S. Turner also volunteers at Lindsay Wildlife Hospital in Walnut Creek, California, which is about a half hour’s drive from Antioch where I used to live!  She lives in Oakland now but has traveled to many places around the world.  She has a website at http://www.pamelasturner.com/ 

Getting back to my drawing I traced the outline of the last big photo of a New Caledonian crow in the book, however, I did not include the “tool” it has in its mouth.   These amazing creatures make tools out of sticks much like chimpanzees.  I love learning new things about various animals.  “Crow Smarts” says an American crow’s bill curves “slightly downward.”  But this crow has “a straight bill that resembles needle-nose pliers.” (pg. 23)

I am still reading it, however, I admit I mostly checked it out for the pictures.  That’s how I learn to draw shapes of certain animals.  I think Kath may take her own photos and draw from them, but I’m not sure.  I also draw from my own photos (or others, in the case of my friend Lori and her chipmunk.)  Right now it is way too hot to go out taking pictures.  I hear crows around the hatchery where we live, but they fly away at the slightest sound of a human approaching.

So to end this week or reading, writing, drawing and painting, I thought I would share my new knowledge about this beautiful and intelligent creature and the talented people who put this great book together.

Have a wonderful day, and give someone you love a big a hug.  🙂