Points2Ponder: From Beak to Bond: Lessons Beyond

Profound Lessons from an Unlikely Teacher

Philipose Vaidyar

The humble crow is one of the animal kingdom's most remarkable and often overlooked teachers. We've all heard of the classic story of "The Thirsty Crow," learning early in school how this clever bird drops stones into a pitcher to raise the water level, satisfying its thirst. But my recent encounter with crows taught me a deeper, more profound lesson about love, community, and the bonds they share.

As a child, I often watched how two crows work together craftily and intelligently. I witnessed, firsthand, how one crow would snatch a chick while the mother hen flew after it, and the other crow would swoop in to grab the chick. I thought to myself, "How clever these birds are!" Their strategic coordination was a lesson in teamwork, intelligence, and, at times, mischief.

Nowadays, in most areas except rural landscapes, it’s rare to find water pots left out for the crows to scout. They’ve adapted to modern sources, knowing water is usually available from taps rather than open pots. When you switch on the motor pump, even if it’s not very noisy, a thirsty crow observes from a distance. It patiently waits for the tank to overflow, then perches conveniently on the overflow pipe to quench its thirst.

In the realm of nature, there are countless lessons to be learned—lessons in intelligence, perseverance, and even love. However, what I observed recently added a new dimension to my understanding of crows. It was a lesson not just in survival but in love and mourning. My most recent encounter with crows taught me a lesson far more profound. It was not a display of intelligence or mischief, but one of love, grief, and community.

It began one morning when I noticed two dead crows lying in our compound. From the looks of it, they had been electrocuted by the power lines running through the area. As I made plans to bury them after a short trip, I didn’t think much of it. But what I witnessed the following day left me in awe. Early in the morning, before the sun had even begun to rise, the sky was filled with crows. Hundreds of them, flying in large, tight circles, cawing loudly and persistently. Their calls echoed through the air with such intensity and emotion that it was impossible to ignore. The heaviness in their cawing spoke volumes. It wasn’t just noise—it was grief.

I had never known that crows, with all their wit and cunning, could also be so deeply social and emotional. As I stood there watching, I realized I was witnessing something extraordinary: a communal mourning ritual. Research has shown that crows, like many other social animals, have the capacity for grief. When one of their own dies, they gather in large groups, cawing in what seems like a farewell. This phenomenon is not just about survival; it’s a testament to the emotional intelligence and social bonds that these birds share.

Crows are known for their complex social structures and behaviors. They live in tight-knit groups and display remarkable problem-solving abilities. However, it is their mourning rituals that truly highlight their emotional depth. According to studies, crows are known to hold “funerals” for deceased members of their flock. They may call out, gather in a circle, and sometimes even stay near the body for hours as if paying their respects. The mourning behavior observed in crows is not a random act but a social necessity—reinforcing their bonds and ensuring the stability of the group. These rituals, much like human funerals, offer a form of closure and solidarity, strengthening the emotional fabric of the community.

What struck me most was that these birds, often dismissed as mere scavengers, embody an emotional depth that challenges the boundaries we draw between ourselves and the animal world. The crows’ display of mourning wasn’t just instinctive—it was a profound act of love, loyalty, and shared grief, a poignant reminder of the strength found in the community. They weren’t simply circling the sky but honoring their fallen fellow, uniting themselves in sorrow.

In that moment, I was struck by how love transcends boundaries, uniting humans and animals alike. The crows' vigil was a powerful reminder that relationships—simple or profound—sustain us, especially in times of loss.

Their mourning wasn’t just nature’s display; it reflected our humanity, challenging the belief that deep emotional bonds are uniquely ours. Community and empathy are universal truths—the very fabric of life. Watching the crows grieve, I was reminded that life’s meaning lies in the relationships we nurture. Their actions urged us to grieve, heal, and honor what matters most.

Ultimately, the lesson is clear: love and connection define existence. Like the crows circling their fallen, we too must gather around those we cherish, offering comfort and strength in life’s trials. It is in these acts of togetherness that we find life’s deepest meaning.

Here is Romans 12:9-16 (NIV), which beautifully reflects the themes of love, empathy, and community:

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.