At least three Western Bluebirds share a bush next to the Frog Pond. The adult male hangs out, grooming and singing. At least two fledglings sit and enjoy the sun. Nearby, in the shadows, lurks a Crow with a beak deformity. Just hanging out, grooming, waiting to see if any opportunity presents itself. But the fledglings are confident fliers, the dad stays watchful, and the Bluebirds fly away unmolested. Safe for another day.
Thanks to Valerie Baldwin for the Crow ID! She writes:
"I think your raven is a crow with a beak deformity that has been studied around here. I don't know if there is a group still studying it. I found this article online:
https://www.calacademy.org/press/releases/newly-discovered-virus-a-prime-suspect-in-mysterious-often-fatal-beak-disorder "He does not look so severe as to impede his eating or preening, but may get worse. There was a time when some group was studying this and asking for any reports of birds with overgrown beaks. Maybe you can track them down."
I looked, but could not find a way to report this sighting to the Cal Academy. LMK if you find out how, please.
