To forewarn this is my first and hopefully last sarcastic blog. Let's hope anyway. Well, Kingwood is celebrating the crows at Kingwood. They are roosting in the trees, so it is fitting of a YouTube video. Last week and for my past three visits on other projects, I have only seen two ducks. I know the wild ones have left and I haven't had the heart to ask about the others as I may not want to know. The other Indian Runners could be safe in back of the Service Building and my despair could be premature. I guess we should celebrate all types of birds, however, I hope a sign of the times isn't Kingwood becoming known for their crows and Canadian Geese.
I took this off the internet.....
A group of crows is called a flock, muster or storytelling of crows. The most widely used term is "murder."
This is based on the (fallacious) folk tale that crows form tribunals to judge and punish the bad behavior of a member of the flock. If the verdict goes against the defendant, that bird is killed (murdered) by the flock. The basis in fact is probably that occasionally crows will kill a dying crow who doesn't belong in their territory or much more commonly feed on carcasses of dead crows. Also, both crows and ravens are associated with battlefields, medieval hospitals, execution sites and cemeteries (because they scavenged on human remains). In England, a tombstone is sometimes called a ravenstone.
I chase them out of my back yard by clanging a pot and spoon. But if you want to check them out at Kingwood - the link is below.
Kingwood Crows on YouTube
I was unable to participate in the first annual 5K last year as the Kingwood Herb Society was hosting a speaker event …at Kingwood Center...at the same time of the race. Debra Knapke, who writes books on Ohio gardening and is also referred to as The Garden Sage, gave a wonderfull lecture. A link to her web site: Click to go to web site of Debra Knapke
This tree chair conjures up many childhood images. Located between the peony garden and the back duck pond, Shawn McClain created a great throne from a fallen tree. Then he added a foot rest. In the winter, I like to think a Snow King lives close to here and holds court with the wildlife. Shown here, he would have a red cardinal as a court jester waiting in the wings. I have seen lots of other wildlife come to see if the King is holding court as well, such as squirrels and rabbits.
Also brings to mind my favorite Dr. Seuss book The Lorax. Kingwood may not have any Truffula trees, but they do have a nice variety and maybe the Lorax comes now and then to visit and make sure all is well. As you know, he speaks for the trees. The chipmunks seen coming and going from this hollow seat are probably taking him messages. I have yet to see the Snow King, Alice or The Lorax, but there is always the possibility. 
