I took this shot through the back door to the deck just before breakfast this morning. That's Skitter, one of our barn cats who moved out with us from Montana last year. Every morning she comes up to the deck when she hears us in the kitchen, then climbs up on to the railing to peer into the kitchen window to see what we're doing. ("Having breakfast. What do you think we're doing?")
About the same time every morning this summer, on the other side of the house, we have an obnoxious crow that flies in, lands on the ramp railing by the front door, caws loudly, and -- this is special -- pecks madly at the windows. (Oh, and leaves a nice gooey mess on the railing.)
Naturally, we're trying to convince Skitter that while she's occupied being a busybody at the kitchen window, she's missing all the action at the front of the house ... where this b-i-r-d is waiting for her.
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It's hopeless I'm afraid, my feral cats and crows coexist like old pals.
Posted by: Rhonda | July 21, 2011 at 07:27 PM
I think Skitter is just showing superior intelligence by avoiding the b i r d the size and temperament of a crow. One smart little girl there!
Posted by: Karla | July 21, 2011 at 01:47 PM
We feed the birds and get all kinds, including the crows. I find them entertaining, though sometimes a bit too noisy. Watching them balance on the tip-top of the water fountain is a hoot! The little birds use it as a full body jacuzzi with the water bubbling up, but the crows only get their feet wet, and a nice drink! Notice you almost always see them in "twos"? They mate for life and I like that about them. Interesting info can be found at www.birds.cornell.edu/crows/crowsfaq.htm
Posted by: Lisa K. - San Diego | July 21, 2011 at 11:00 AM
I love how you get a visit every morning from your sweet barn kitty. It's too bad Skitter hasn't discovered the b-i-r-d in the front of the house, yet or maybe she just doesn't care for all the noise the crow makes & would rather watch you all.
Posted by: MsFitzTX | July 20, 2011 at 05:37 PM
WOO HOO!!! Nice to see a cat!
Skitter- you are very purrty!!!
Posted by: Rhonda | July 20, 2011 at 05:23 PM
Next time Skitter arrives for her morning visit, hold up a sign saying, "No caws for alarm, just visit the other side for something to crow about."
Posted by: Moon Rani | July 20, 2011 at 12:23 PM
I suspect that at one time or another someone someplace has been or was feeding the crow. Crows can be disgusting and noisy, but fascinating to observe because of their intelligence.
Posted by: Mike Marshall | July 20, 2011 at 12:01 PM
I could loan my newest rescue to you for a few days. Cheesecake would make that crow a distant memory, also mice and chipmunks. The neighborhood feeds chipmunks so we are not very popular, and I'm not happy with the bird thing but from almost feral to a very loving 8 month old kitten, he's come a long way......He's dynamite with flying bugs!! :)
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | July 20, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Skitter!! Nice to see you sweetie! You need to check out the other side of the house...you may have some fun over there. Hey, when you get a chance, drag Steve and his camera over to the other kitties and to wherever they are keeping Miss Margaret..we miss them too. Again, good to see you.
Posted by: Anne in FL | July 20, 2011 at 09:12 AM
So good to see a cat update! More cat updates for all us cat lovers! :)
Posted by: Sophie | July 20, 2011 at 04:31 AM
Skitter......you sweet thing! We have two crows who make a horrible noise and eat at our feeders---wish I liked them......
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | July 20, 2011 at 12:29 AM
Maybe you could take her to the other side of the house and introduce her to the resident "pest". I'm sure she'll have a lot of fun trying to chase the crow away!
Posted by: Ann | July 20, 2011 at 12:21 AM
Yeah! Finally a cat update! I really miss stories about the special needs cats you once had. I want Alayne to be healthy, but many of your blog readers miss the cats.
Posted by: Brad | July 19, 2011 at 09:40 PM
sorry - I've got a dog, house cats, and a small bird sactuary in the back yard, and yes, we feed the crows! They're such clowns.....but I get your point! Great rise in the Challenge!
Posted by: Linda | July 19, 2011 at 08:38 PM
ARRGGHH the Crows! They terrorize our neighborhood when they build a nest. And the cawing! They are the worst neighbors, aren't they?
Posted by: Kelly | July 19, 2011 at 07:48 PM