Crow
Cris and I are in Vancouver. She is here for the AERA conference and I am just tagging along. This is a most remarkable city. I am happy that there are lots of crows about. They seem to have displaced the usual pigeons that often dominate cities. There is water everywhere and lots of seagulls but it is the crows that are the most fun to watch. / The weather has been lovely; lots of sun and in the mid to upper 50s which is perfect for walking in Stanely Park.
I was in London a month ago and the magnolia trees were just starting to bloom. Now they are at the same stage here in Vancouver. Everything is popping out. Flowers are everywhere in the city and I am overwhelmed with how beautiful this place is.
Jon Crispin's Notebook 
Living just south of there, in Port Townsend, WA, I agree with the abundant beauty of Vancouver. One of my favourite places on the planet. Remember, if those crows are a little larger than you expect and make a croaky sound instead of a caw, you’re looking at a Raven. They frequent our cities up here, too.
Jon,
I saw the most fascinating news special on crows and their intelligence (they can use tools and plan several steps ahead to solve a problem, and they communicate to teach each other specific things like “that person is dangerous” and pass the messages down for generations! I couldn’t find the show, unfortunately, but here is a brief article related to it.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/08/07/tech/main5224349.shtml?tag=mncol;lst;6
My grandmother lived in Vancouver for many years and I spent several wonderful summers with her in my youth. Thanks for the memories!