black crow - cross mark

Though common in our cities crows rarely cast even a stray glance in the direction of human beings. Their calls are not for us, only for other crows.
Birds in general are associated with divination, beauty, and freedom, except a crow!

And what is a crow? No image of an animal is simpler, more iconic, and more unmistakable. I think of a silhouette of out stretched wings, a slouched head and an extended tail!
These ‘song birds’ have always captivated my attention. I always saw design and picture capability.

I remember as a kid my mom stuffing food into my mouth by showing me a sight of a crow and who hasn’t heard to the ‘Thirsty Crow’ story!

Grew up counting crows

one for sorrow
two for mirth
three for a wedding
four for a birth
five for silver
six for gold
seven for a secret, not to be told,
eight for heaven
nine for hell
and ten for the devils own self!


*pictures shot at Galle Fort, Sril Lanka

Later, I was told the crow is Lord Shani’s vehicle, when I questioned why he has sitting on a huge crow!

The crow has lived many avatars and I think it is a remarkably graceful bird. Simplistic and beautiful.