Here in Los Angeles spring has sprung early, and the crows are doing what they do to prepare for nesting season.
Lots of courtship displays and competition, as well. Some crows are already paired up, as usually crows mate for life. The younger ones who are ready to mate, are courting, competing, and cavorting. Here’s a photo of what I call “wind dances.” Corvid scientists whom I have consulted say that these are. Most likely a bit like agility contests, to show whose got game. They are also a way to playfully compete for mates while hormones are surging—a bit like high school sports!
Mated pairs and their offspring are calling to one another and reconnecting to build nests. Their unmated young will often return to the family nest to help out with their younger siblings, just like in human families. Crows use the strongest materials available to build their nests. They carefully select the twigs and branches they want, and then struggle to pry them free and carry them off to their well-hidden nest locations. Nest territories are usually a family thing, with connected families defending their chosen area.
Nest-building is underway. Crow’s nests are usually very high up in a tall tree, well-hidden from us ground-dwelling creatures. Even corvid scientists have a difficult time locating nests because crows are experts at survival and hide their nestlings well from possible threats.
