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observations
from another perspective
SPECIAL
REPORT
As of
October 25, 1999.
A Crow and the Kitten.
A special
report from North Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Observations and images courtesy of Ann and Wallace
Collito.
A wild
Crow adopts an untamed Kitten.
The
Crow, named Moses, and the Kitten, named Cassie, appear to have originally
met in the wild, likely sometime shortly after the Kitten's birth, in June
1999. It appears, as unlikely as it seems, that the Crow has actually
'adopted' the Kitten. The story came to human knowledge when Ann
Collito found the little, black Kitten, de-hydrated and on the verge of
starvation near her residence, likely having been abandoned. Interestingly,
a Crow, now named Moses, made it very difficult for Ann and her husband,
Wallace, to approach the Kitten. Moses displayed typical corvid protective
behaviour. And, they observed the Crow actually feeding the Kitten
various types of insects.
To any casual observer,
it appeared as though the Crow had, indeed, 'adopted' this little Kitten,
and was feeding and protecting it.
The story, of course,
was generally disbelieved until people saw things for themselves.
Wallace and Ann have hours of video, and images, as shown below, of Moses
and Cassie interacting.
Dr.
Bernd Heinrich, professor of biology at the University of Vermont was
contacted by a local newspaper, The Sun Chronicle, regarding this behaviour.
He commented that it is extraordinary, and very hard to believe.
Dr. Heinrich speculates that the Crow may have adopted the Kitten after
having lost its own eggs or young, and says that young crows are usually
on their own by August. Yet Moses and Cassie are still together,
visiting and playing on a daily basis.
Maybe Moses
is waiting for Cassie to learn to fly!!!!
(select the image for
a larger view)
The Kitten: Cassie.
The Crow:
Moses.
Calling
on Cassie
:
See the
Crow:
A Crow
and the Kitten: going for a walk...
Moses
and Cassie:
Lunchtime
A closer
view :
Frolic
:
Together
:
:
A closer
view :
:
Amazing
photographs courtesy of Ann and Wallace Collito.
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