“It was a cold and rainy day. The sky was grey and gloomy, tickled by bare tree branches. Driving past a park, a murder (group) of crows caught my eye. They were turning maple leaves looking for a meal. Their sharp blackness stood in stark contrast against the golden leaves on the ground.

Always interested in these intelligent yet elusive creatures, I stopped by to observe them. Keeping my distance not to disturb them, I started to capture frames. The crows took short flights cawing in their search for food. The dull sky colour became suddenly a pretty canvas by offering a light grey background to the flying crows. Their black silhouettes graced and otherwise dull sky.

One individual flew closer to me and perched on a branch. Glancing downwards, she offered me her beautiful profile. She seemed to be still pondering about a prospective meal."

Image © Carmen Mandel-Cesáreo

Artist statement
My photographs are not enhanced; they represent the true nature and colours of the subjects as captured by the lens. I never lure my animated subjects to come close to me: spontaneity is the key.

This is an original uncropped image.

===============
Proceeds from the sales of all my Crow images will be donated to Crows.net

Crows.net
The Language and Culture of Crows

A site for cooperative research on the language and culture of the American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos.

Facts about the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos):
..Crows are the most social and intelligent species of birds
..Crows mate for life
..The young stay with the family unit for up to five years and help the parents raise siblings
..Crows show tool-making and tool-using behaviour
..Crows are not a health threat
..They will not attack you as portrayed in the movie The Birds

Carmen, creator of Art for Conservation