Humans sometimes form strong bonds with animals, such as dogs, cats, and horses. Some friendships are even created with chickens, pigs, rabbits, and rats. But one San Francisco Marina District resident named Melinda Green formed an unusual nonhuman bond … with neighborhood crows.
Crows show gratitude for being fed
A few years ago, Green, a retired computer programmer, unintentionally began forming a relationship with two families of crows. Here’s what happened …
“I just started putting out some food on my fire escape when I’d see them,” said, Green, according to The Dodo.
Apparently, the birds were very thankful, because they soon started bringing her “presents.”
The crows soon began placing objects within Green’s reach. They brought the top of a champagne bottle, nuts from shells, bones, colorful rocks, and even a gummy bear.
Could it all be a coincidence?
But was it all just a coincidence? After some time passed, Green became convinced the gifts were meant for her.
“At this point I am sure they are gifts. They’re showing appreciation for the food,” Green told ABC 7 News.
She also equated the bird’s gift-giving to a common human quality. “I suspect it’s similar to young human crushes,” she told The Dodo.
One gift left by the crows was especially interesting … a piece of antique electronics that looks very similar to a front-door key. The item resembles some type of old piece of machinery that was broken off.
“The fact that it really is a gift makes it precious,” Green said.
Green recognizes “personhood” of crows
Since she began her “friendship” with the neighborhood crows, she’s seen them begin new families, which also came to visit her fire escape.
“I’ve learned just how similar crow families and dynamics are to human families,” Green stated. “They seem to have long-term relationships and to raise one or two children at a time in nuclear families. The parents are clearly actively teaching their children. They clearly want to show them where the nice lady lives and how to get treats from her.”
We should all be so lucky to form this type of special bond with unexpected “visitors.”
Other animals that connect with humans
This story of an unexpected bond between a human and some local crows shows just how amazing our world can be. But what are the other common, and uncommon, bonds humans form with animals?
Beyond our beloved dogs, cats, and horses, let’s take a look at some of the other animals humans can bond with.
- Chickens: Chickens have been known to be good therapy/companion animals. Chickens can actually be easily trains, they are social, and they seem to like being around others.
- Pigs: Miniature pigs have been bred and trained to act as companion animals. They have proven to be smart, social, and adaptable.
- Rabbits: While sometimes it takes more time for a human to connect with a rabbit, it does occur frequently. Rabbits specifically bred for human interaction seem to enjoy connecting with humans.
- Rats: Some of you may shiver at this thought, but domestic rats can be very social and smart. If you handle them with care, you can form a connection.
- Llamas and alpacas: Since they are herd animals, they really like companionship. Plus, it has been shows that llamas learn from humans.
To hear from Melinda Green about her bond with her local crows, check out the video below. It’s pretty amazing!
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