The crows group

 Which groups on Facebook am I part of? 

Well… apparently, 12,000-strong Crow Lovers is now one of them. Yes, really. Twelve thousand people who wake up thinking about crows, talk about crows, and even debate whether shiny objects count as currency.

 And here I am—a former principal, seasoned educational professional, TED talker, newspaper columnist, part-time musician, and leadership coach—suddenly navigating crow diplomacy with equal parts caution and curiosity. My wife would make a far more natural member; she already feeds a few crows daily. Me? I’ve tried a handful of times… only to hear cawing and feel a crow—or two—swoop down and send me sprinting for cover. Rookie status, confirmed.

Of course, this is alongside other groups I belong to: cat lovers, guitar and musical instrument enthusiasts, old school Bishop’s alumni, and hometown communities. Each one opens a window into a world I love—music, memories, and a sense of place that runs deeper than timelines and feeds.

And yet, the crow group has me hooked. There’s a quiet thrill in realizing the world doesn’t always demand charts, KPIs, or PowerPoints—sometimes it asks for patience, attention, and humility. I’ve discovered a community that studies these birds meticulously, leaves breadcrumbs with care, and respects their intelligence. I tried again last week, cautiously holding out a handful of seeds… and for a fleeting moment, I think one crow acknowledged me. Almost accepted. 

Almost. 

Believe me, read the stories, and you’ll see how extraordinarily intelligent and loyal crows can be. It’s a sharp reminder that learning—even from creatures we usually overlook—can be surprising, humbling, and unexpectedly rewarding.