Happy ICRAD 2016, everyone. That’s International Crow and Raven Appreciation Day, for anyone not in the know.
As put by the Facebook page for ICRAD and primary source of information on this—we think—very deserved holiday:
“International Crow and Raven Appreciation Day was started by a small group of corvid enthusiasts on a road trip. These marvelous birds are often the target of rednecks and hillbillies as they try out their newest line of pistols. But we see these birds, not for their value as a target, but rather for their intelligence and grace. They have a curious nature, and have the ability to make you laugh as they tumble down a hill, sliding in the snow on their back. Yes, we appreciate the crows and ravens of the world. To celebrate ICRAD, all we ask is that you wear black on April 27th. If you want to tell people about the holiday, feel free, at first they may question your motives, but after a little convincing i am sure they will hop on board!”
Hear hear!
We’ve always loved corvids, both for their real world smarts and the striking grace they present visually, the main reason behind chasing them for our namesake in the first place. We’re glad we’re not the only ones who appreciate the birds.
And, as reported by CNET, a recent study has found that raven intelligence is on par with that of chimps. How’s that for a bird brain, monkey‽
And now, ravens playing in the snow.
