The Bericrow

Corvus brachyrhynchos








If you think crows are just a bunch of dumb feather brains, study this photo and consider --

As I was leaving my studio for the day, I noticed this crow who seemed to be in the process of solving an interesting problem. How to get all four berries in its mouth so it could fly off and enjoy them later.

I stopped my truck near the bird and waited. Piled in front of the crow were four berries, neatly stacked. Each one was bigger or smaller than the others. Over the course of the next 10 minutes, I observed and photographed the crow as it picked up the berries in various size combinations.

This photo is the final shot in the series. Seconds later, the bird took off -- with all the berries. What do you think the solution was?

If you guessed that the smallest berry goes in the back, then the gold star is yours!


This photograph is ©copyright 1996, Carl Cook. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without permission, including Internet use.

 Exhibition quality  prints may be available of the image on this page. The traditional version is sepia toned and hand colored. There are limited prints available. Digital prints may also be available. For prices and information, please click HERE. For information concerning editorial usage or for qualified commercial usage, or for comments and questions, please email clcook@olywa.net

To learn about Anting, click HERE.

Go back to CROWS