Edgar Ellen Crow (yes, “Ellen” since gender unknown, but hereafter “he” for simplicity) has a benefactor to whom he owes his life. In return, he elicits smiles and laughter during this year of so much need for simple joys. Edgar’s mother must have recognized that something was wrong with the little chick and tossed him out of the nest or maybe because of his disability, he lost his balance and fell out. In any event, the sad little crow sat helpless on the ground when a dog walker discovered him.
The dog walker was Mazama resident Donni Reddington. Knowing her mother Ginger Reddington’s compassion for animals, she called her to tell the story of the baby crow with gnarled little feet that had not developed correctly.
Ginger understood profoundly what that is like. Having battled a tumor on her spine since 2008, she had endured three major surgeries, the last in the fall of 2019. Not knowing whether she would be able to walk when she woke from the last surgery, she was prepared mentally for whatever the outcome. Slowly she regained her ability to walk, but not without issue since her legs did not have the strength or sensation to perform as they once did. She called the worst of the two legs Stumpy.
Ginger Reddington and Edgar Ellen Crow with a painting she did of her Pasayten Wilderness pack trip in the background.
She experienced a further unexpected setback when she received a phone call explaining that she needed radiation to eradicate the last of the tumor. After weeks of radiation, the better of the two legs also became unreliable. Still, Ginger made the necessary modifications to continue to do the things she loves. This included a weeklong pack trip into the Pasayten Wilderness this past summer with her granddaughter Trinity. It’s a struggle to get up into a saddle, she quips, but she is undeterred.
When Edgar arrived for his rehab with Ginger, little did he know how lucky he was. He receives nutritious meals and treats such as crispy tortilla chips. Fastidious, he bathes himself frequently. He is learning to play games with gadgetry that Ginger has concocted for him. Generally, he is in a good mood; however, Ginger reports that he does hold a grudge if he is annoyed at her for whatever reason. One might suspect some anthropomorphizing here. Not so.
University of Washington Professor John Marzluff has studied members of the crow family known as corvids for 40 years. Known to be among the smartest birds in the world, they are capable of using tools, playing tricks, teaching each other new things, even holding “funerals.” His work included testing earlier claims that crows could recognize individual human faces and proved it to be true. His former post-doctorate adviser said of Marzluff’s impressive demonstration, “He put it on the map.”
Many homes in the Methow Valley and beyond are graced with Ginger’s paintings. Her classic aspens, horses, mountains and lakes are recognized and loved for their unique composition and colors. Edgar spends the day with Ginger in her studio while she paints — each keeping the other company. Ginger loves the way the little crow makes people smile. “We need it,” she says. She even made him a tiny “CORVID” mask — a poster child for the message to humans, “Mask up!”
Other Mazama news: The Mazama Community Club is reaching out to the many newcomers to the area to considering joining the club. When life returns to normal, so will the many activities and community functions sponsored by the club, including various races, spring clean-up, square dances, and the Fall Community Potluck in the historic red building. Annual member donation of $30 can be paid at http://www.mazamacommunityclub.com.
