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Have you ever thought about whether those black birds fighting over the French fries in the parking lot are ravens or crows? Well, probably not, unless you are a devoted birder or Edgar Allen Poe, wondering who is tapping at his window late at night. Although you are more likely to find ravens in the country and crows in cities, here at Four Seasons we have both. These two birds are members of the genus Corvus, but if you could get them to pose quietly next to each other, you would see that they are different species. To start with, ravens are much larger than crows. Ravens are about the same size as a hawk, measuring two feet from head to tail, with a wingspan of 3-4 feet, and weighing about 40 ounces. A crow is just the size of a pigeon, 17 inches long, with a wingspan of 2 ½ feet, and weighs only 20 ounces. Ravens are usually much shinier than crows, with a larger and curvier bill, scruffy feathers on their throat, and wedge- shaped tails, while crows have a slimmer beak, smooth feathers on their throat, and short square tails. They sound different, too. Ravens have a deep croak, while crows make a higher-pitched caw. Their behaviors also set them apart from each other. Ravens usually forage in pairs, walk by taking two-footed hops, and soar on wind currents. Crows are highly sociable, hanging out in groups called "murders," and flap silently rather than float. One thing they have in common is that they are highly intelligent, able to use tools, and have even been reported to remember people who have been mean to them and to bring gifts to people who have fed them! Since crows can live up to eight years and ravens as long as thirty, it's a good idea to treat them well. Come with us on the next bird club walk, and make some new feathered friends. For more information, contact Gerrie Karcynski at gerrie201516@gmail.com. ~ Kathy Hull Our Book Club selection May 14 is e Red Pony by John Steinbeck. Here is a brief description from Amazon.com: "Jody Tiflin grew up on his father's ranch in California. He is overjoyed when his father presents him with a red pony and subsequently promises him a bay mare colt. Both of these gifts offer Jodi joy, but tragedy strikes soon after. As Jodi begins to learn the terrible truths of life and death, he begins to comprehend what it is to grow up and become an adult." e Red Pony is comprised of four short stories that were published in a bigger collection of Steinbeck stories called e Long Valley. e Red Pony is available separately. Our meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:30 am in the RCN, Room #3. All of our book selections are recommended by book club members. Someone volunteers to lead the discussion about the book we have chosen for the month. For more information about the Four Seasons Book Club or to get on our mailing list, please contact me at michelesrosen@gmail.com. ~ Micki Rosen FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2024 41 Birding CLUB Book Club

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