Authors John Marzluff and Tony Angell take us through a journey of the intelligence, speech, insight, fun, passion, grief and risk which comprises the life of an average crow. Crows are many times associated with fear or annoyance but what lies within is more than meets the eye and ear.

Gifts of the Crow by John Marzluff and Tony Angell

Join in the Conversation

As I sit here writing I can hear the loud cawing of crows outside my open door. A small flock glides by to light on the roof of a boat outside. From their perch they have a good view of the kayakers that pass by and must put up with their annoyed chatter as they paddle swiftly past. My initial reaction is to find their loud conversation a nuisance and distraction; now however I find myself fascinated by the way they interact with each other and the world around them.

While I can’t guarantee that their cawing will turn to song in your ears, The Gifts of the Crow will insure that you never look at them the same way again. From talking to gift giving there is nothing common about the common crow.

The following are questions to guide you through your discussion about this book. Please use the comments section of this blog to join in the conversation and share your thoughts about the book and about crows.

• In chapter 5 the authors introduce us to a number of grateful crows who seem to use gifts of dead rats, seed and candied hearts to endear themselves to the humans who feed and take care of them. The authors argue that this type of behavior shows that they have insight; crows understand that they will be rewarded by their gift giving. Do you think that this shows insight or are these ‘gifts’ simply coincidental?
• Speech is not something that many people would associate with crows but students at the University of Montana in 1964 would have another opinion. The calls of ‘hear boy!’ that brought dogs racing through campus that year were from none other than a local crow (pg 41). This is one of many examples given of crows and other birds using language to their advantage. Do these birds really understand what they are saying or do they simply mimic us without having an intended consequence?
• Here at the National Wildlife Federation we advocate for children getting outside to play and interact with their environment but human children are not the only ones who enjoy playing outside. From surfing to pulling pranks on neighborhood pets crows seem to enjoy having fun almost as much as we humans do! What examples of this have you seen in your own life?
• In the final chapter the authors argue that we should be able to keep crows as pets. Would you ever consider sharing your home with a crow?

Looking up at Rainier from the trail (photo: Bryn Fluharty)

This past weekend the clouds parted and the temperature rose to a balmy 75°F. With a weekend full of promise a friend and I took off to the mountains to hike to Camp Muir, one of two base camps for climbing Mount Rainier.

Up and Up We Go

The sun shines bright in the sky at 9:00am as we pull into the parking lot at the Paradise lodge. At almost 6,000 feet already the 14,410 foot summit looms tantalizingly close. Grabbing our packs and ice axes we head out, past clumps of gawking tourists and groups preparing to attempt the summit.

In a month this area will be filled with a thick carpet of wildflowers which inspired the name Paradise, but today there is still snow covering the ground. About two miles in we hit the bare ground around Pebble Creek, which rushes out from beneath the Muir Snowfield only to dive again beneath the snow as it winds its way to lower elevations. Here the ground begins to tilt up as we climb up steeper and steeper slopes.

By early afternoon we have reached the small cluster of buildings that comprise the camp at 10,000 feet. From here we can see out over the Cascades to Mt. Adams and St. Helens who rise gracefully above the sharper, lower peaks below. Above us rises the smooth white dome of Rainier. How close it seems from here! It is hard not to think of making the trek up to the summit. Last year I climbed to the summit for the first time and have been itching to return. Today, however, is not the day, and we must be content with lounging in the warm sun and enjoying the view before heading back down.

Mt. Adams rises behind the Tatoosh Range South of Rainier (photo: Bryn Fluharty)

A Threat to Paradise

Climate change is threatening the beauty of this area. The glaciers are beginning to creep back up the slopes throughout Washington, leaving behind them bare, gray rock, the scars of a warming climate. The glaciers of Mt. Adams have already been reduced to almost half of what they were in 1904. This melting will forever change the face of these iconic mountains and our state. It will also impact water supplies for our urban and agricultural areas and for wildlife.

Be Out There to Fight Climate Change

Getting out into the mountains and experiencing the wonders that our natural lands have to offer us has inspired me to work for organizations like National Wildlife Federation and fight for changes in policy and culture to help mitigate the impacts of our changing climate. With younger generations so plugged into technology they are not always exposed to the great outdoors in the same ways. Unplugging kids and getting them back outside will help inspire a new generation of conservationists who are connected to and strive to protect nature.

When Elephants Week by Jeffery Moussaieff Masson and Susan McCarthy

We are shown bears gazing out at the sunset, elephants painting, zebras selfishly defending each other and blushing chimpanzees. These sparkling stories bring light to the range of the emotions experienced and expressed by the animals with whom we share this planet.

Join in the Conversation

For many of us there is no question as to IF animals have emotions but WHAT emotions they have. Watching my families’ animals I am always amazed to see the dog bullied off of his bed by the much smaller cats that leave him to pout by the bedside. All around us we can see animals expressing emotions, be it cheerful squirrels chattering excitedly as people run from the nuts they hurl at them or vain cats preening on a windowsill. These expressions of emotions connect us in many ways to these dynamic creatures.

This book helps bring us closer to animals and gain a deeper understanding of the connections we have with these entities that enhances their importance on the planet. This is one of the reasons the National Wildlife Federation works hard to protect wildlife throughout our country.

The following are questions are meant to guide you through thinking about this book. Please use the comments section below to join in the conversation and share your thoughts. The questions are meant as a guide but please feel free to share any thoughts or feelings you have on this topic.

Bryn and Sam, happy at the end of a long hike (photo by: Bryn Fluharty)

• The authors and others use our understanding of human emotions to describe animal emotions. On page 41 they say that this anthropocentric view is a problem and makes us think of animals as ‘inferior forms of people.’ Should we think of their emotions as separate from our own? Is there another way to look at animal emotions without giving them human characteristics?
• Animals show joy, sorry, embarrassment and anger, along with other emotions. What impact does this have on the way that you interact with animals? Does it make the argument for protecting wildlife stronger or should we protect wildlife and other animals regardless?
• Many emotions, including our own, are hard if not impossible to describe. On page 58 the authors discuss the difficulty of defining bravery and tracing its roots. Due to this difficulty, is it right to talk about emotions such as bravery, especially in animals? Is it possible that these reactions have an evolutionary benefit?
• What are some examples of animal emotions that you have seen in your own life?

July’s Book

Gifts of the Crow by John Marzluff and Tony Angell

There is much more to these birds than first meets the eye. Through Gifts of the Crow we will hear about their sharp intelligence, sense of humor and ability to have fun. The book is a mix of detailed text and drawings which brings a new and sparkling perspective on these dark creatures.

Something to Crow About

•What fun stories of crows do you have from your own life?

•History is full of stories and fables about crows and many stories seem fascinated by them yet as a society we tend to see them as ominous and pesky. Why is there a difference?

•While you are reading the book go out and observe crows in your own area. What do they do? How would you describe them? Can you see any traits that the authors talk about?

Wanapum dam and reservoir on the Columbia near Vantage, WA (Photo by Bryn Fluharty)

Cleaning up Our Act

From the massive hydroelectric dams that bisect our rivers to the graceful windmills which have begun to spring up throughout the region; Washington and Oregon have always been leaders in renewable energies. Today more than 60 percent of Washington’s power comes from hydro and we continue to expand markets in areas such as solar, wind and tidal energy. In Oregon, the largest wind project in the nation is under construction and they are home to the first wave power farm in the country.

Solar panels in Eastern Washington (photo by Bryn Fluharty)

The Proposal

This same river that provides our region with clean energy like hydro is now possibly also be used to support boatloads of the dirtiest fuel on the planet, coal. There are currently six proposed export ports throughout Washington and Oregon that would ship coal from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and Montana to ports in Asia. This coal would then be burned, emitting CO2 into the atmosphere and further fueling Global Warming.

The Irony of it All

Irony abounds at the Port of Morrow in Oregon where a new biofuel refinery will begin using poplar trees, wheat straw and cornstalks to make ethanol. This community may soon be home to another type of energy, coal. The project would use the Columbia to barge large amounts of coal through the region, threatening the health of communities and the environment along its route. It has created enough concern that the EPA among others have asked for an Environmental Impact Statement for this and the other proposed projects.

Windmills are generating more and more energy for the region (photo by Bryn Fluharty)

Moving Forward

As a native ‘Seattleite’ I have always been proud of my state and its forward thinking moves to help combat issues like Global Warming. Should these projects go through it would go against all of the hard work that we have done to clean up our energy. Our lands and waters will be used as a means for coal companies to undermine our strong environmental record, compromise our environment and communities, and further Global Warming. Political leaders, cities, and communities are starting to question these projects and speak out against them.

We need to get off coal and move towards a cleaner future and help the rest of the world to do the same. We must leave this world a better place for future generations who can say that today we have stood up for our environment, wildlife, and the planet and helped to protect them instead of further degrading them. Speak up for wildlife and tell your elected officials that you don’t want the Northwest to be a portal for dirty coal!

The Mindful Carnivore by Tovar Cerulli

We follow Cerulli through his time as a devout vegan as he transitions first to returning to fishing and later turns to hunting. This is not an issue that he takes lightly but feels that his connection to nature, the world, and the food that helps him, and all of us survive is deepened by his experience with hunting.

Join in the Conversation

We all connect to the world in different ways; be it boating, fishing, hiking, gardening, or hunting. For many, including Cerulli, hunting is a way to connect with nature and the outdoors. Hunting is also a complex topic, one which deals with our moral obligations to the world around us and a respect for the creatures that we share the planet with.

The morality of hunting is not an easy one to discuss and there are many opinions on both sides of the argument. Conservation as we know it today would not be the same without the support of hunters, anglers, and many others who believe that our natural world deserves protecting. The National Wildlife Federation has a strong history of working with hunters, anglers, gardeners, bird watchers, scientists, outdoor enthusiasts, and families to help protect our wildlife and wild places for future generations.

The following are questions to help guide you through a conversation around some of the issues and ideas brought up in this book.

• Once Cerulli has returned to fishing he begins to talk about the acceptability of fishing over hunting. For many of us (myself included) a responsible near vegetarian diet can include fish and other seafood. On page 86 he confronts the idea that fishing is a much more accepted form of obtaining meat than hunting. That we associate ourselves with mammals but not fish, making it easier for us to take the lives of aquatic creatures than the feathered and furry creatures living on land. Do you feel that there is a difference between hunting and fishing? Do you have a greater connection to mammals and other terrestrial animals than fish?
• Some of the most famous and well respected conservationists such as Teddy Roosevelt who is responsible for so many of our nation’s parks and protected areas were also hunters. Hunters and anglers remain strong voices for conservation, fighting against issues such as Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, AK and coal export from the Pacific Northwest. They also stand up for issues in conservation and climate issues. Starting on page 99 Cerulli talks about the history of conservation through the hunting and fishing lens. What drives you to speak up for our wildlife and wild places and what role do you feel hunting and fishing has in this?
• Our world is not always in balance. On page 169 Cerulli talks about the problems of overpopulation of deer and the impacts that this can have on the environment. Many times the lack of predators can create an over population of species such as deer and elk which can damage their habitat. Cerulli talks about the response of certain areas to allow hunting in these areas in order to help control the population. What are your thoughts on this?

When Elephants Weep–The Emotional Lives of Animals by Jeffrey Moussaief Masson and Susan McCarthy

June’s Book

In June we will be reading When Elephants Weep–The Emotional Lives of Animals by Jeffrey Moussaief Masson and Susan McCarthy. This book offers a profound look at the emotional lives of the animals that we share the planet with. From sadness to joy, jealousy, and anger animals express ranges of emotions similar to us. Discover the depth of this emotion that helps us better understand our planet and its inhabitants.

Thoughtful Moments

• I can’t help but feel the joy when my dog looks back at me while playing catch or feel the annoyance from the chattering squirrel in the tree as it hurls acorns at passersby. Where can you see emotions in the animals in your life?
• When we think of animal emotions should we look at them in the same way we look at our own emotions or should they be viewed in a different way?

Everyone enjoys a good book! Photo: Bryn Fluharty

Join in the Conversation

It is imperative that we combat this issue and get kids, families and individuals outside. We want to hear what you think! Join in the conversation by commenting below. The following are discussion points to help guide you through the conversation. Don’t feel held to these questions, however–share your thoughts and feelings about the book and this important issue.

• Louv talks about the dilemma of limited time that many children face today. One child talks about balancing piano lessons, homework and soccer practice which leaves them two to three hours in a weekend for free play (p118). Homework and other activities outside of school are important for children but so is unstructured play outside. Should parents reduce time on these other activities in favor of unstructured outdoor play? Organized sports get kids outside, do you think is this sufficient or do they need unstructured play as discussed by the author?
• Many environmentalists throughout history and today cite time out in nature as a major factor in leading them to be environmentalists. With today’s children spending less and less time outside many worry that the environmentalist is becoming ‘endangered’ (pp149-151). Louv argues that, ‘If children do not attach to the land, they will not reap the psychological and spiritual benefits they can glean from nature, nor will they feel a long term commitment to the environment, to the place’ (p157). Do you think that people will still fight for the environment and be stewards of the planet if they do not have the experiences of getting out into nature? How have your own experiences in nature impacted the way that you view the environment?
• Part V of the book discusses the importance of environmental education in the schools. Organizations like the National Wildlife Federation work to educate and inspire school children on environmental issues through programs such as EcoSchools USA. These programs fill gaps in established curriculum in schools where children can learn about environmental issues that face their community and the planet. Did you experience environmental education when you were young? If so how did this impact your connection to and understanding of nature?

The separation of children and nature is one that the National Wildlife Federation takes seriously. We are working hard to get kids, families and individuals outside through programs such as the upcoming Great American Backyard Campout. Another program, EcoSchools USA helps get environmental education into schools throughout the US.

May’s Book

The Mindful Carnivore: A Vegetarian’s Hunt for Sustenance by Tovar Cerulli

Food for Thought

• Do you hunt or fish? How have these experiences impacted how you connect with nature and wildlife?
• From backyard vegetable gardens to hunting and angling our food can offer unique and powerful experiences in nature. How does the food that you eat connect you to the planet?

Possible Terminals in Washington and Oregon Photo: Dan Aguayo/The Oregonian

Letter from the Governor

Governor Kitzhaber has officially asked the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Land Management for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the projects. The EIS would look at the possible impacts from the projects on the health of the environment and communities of the Pacific Northwest.

There are a number of concerns that the governor outlines in his letter. There would be an increase in barges along the Columbia. There is also the possibility of water pollution from the coal dust as well as the possibility of spills while transporting the coal. Coal dust emissions at the facilities and during transport is an additional issue as well as emissions from mercury, diesel, ozone and other green house gases which will only help fuel climate change. The trains that would carry the coal would be up to a mile and a half long and would cause significant delays for those trying to cross the tracks. This is of particular concern for emergency vehicles which could see significant delays in getting to their destination.

Impacts could also be seen in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, a 292,500-acre tract that stretches the length of the Columbia Gorge. This region offers many recreational opportunities like fishing, biking, hiking, water activities and more. The economy in cities such as Moiser, OR is dependent upon tourism brought in by the recreational opportunities from the Gorge. Cities like Moiser will be affected by the coal terminals, which will have a significant impact on the tourism industry in this area.

The Dark Side of the Light Bulb

In the face of climate change Washington is moving away from dirty energy like coal and towards renewable energy like wind. Photo: Bryn Fluharty

Due to the harmful properties of coal the discussion is turning toward renewable energy, including wind and solar here in the U.S. While we are starting to move towards a cleaner future within our borders, we are still one of the leading producers and exporters of coal in the world. Any coal shipped through these terminals will be burned in Asia, which will in turn have an impact on pollution levels here in the Pacific Northwest and will help continue to drive climate change, two issues addressed by the governor in his letter.

Thank You for Your Support

Thanks to the support of Governor Kitzhaber, local communities and other concerned citizens we are moving forward in fighting for our right to a healthy environment and thriving communities. Want to join in the conversation and learn more about this important issue? Check out Power Past Coal for more information and upcoming events in your area! Let us know what you think!

GiveBIG May 2nd - The Seattle Foundation

Mark Your Calendar

On May 2nd you have the opportunity to maximize your donation to the National Wildlife Federation by donating through the Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG program. GiveBIG is a one day opportunity to donate to Seattle area nonprofits including the National Wildlife Federation. When you donate through GiveBig we receive a pro-rated portion of the matching funds, making your donation go further. All you have to do is make a donation online anytime on the second of May to the National Wildlife Federation!

When you make your donation you are automatically entered into a drawing to win an additional $1,000 to the National Wildlife Federation.

Opportunity is Knocking

By donating you have the opportunity to help us continue some of your favorite programs and campaigns. We work hard to protect our wildlife and wild places for today and future generations in offices around the country, including right here in Seattle! Here at the Pacific Regional Center we work on some of the most pressing issues in Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii and Alaska.

Staff at the Pacific Regional Center - Photo: National Wildlife Federation Pacific Regional Center

Protecting Floodplain Habitat in Puget Sound

Floodplains are critical habitat for many of the endangered salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest and are swiftly disappearing under rapidly expanding development. This development threatens the endangered salmon and the orcas that feed on them and puts people in harm’s way. We are working to find ways to help protect and restore these floodplains for the health of the salmon and orcas and the safety of local communities.

Creating Climate-Resilient Communities

Water is one of the most important natural resources on the planet. Here in Washington State our increasing population and Climate Change are putting more and more stress on this already stressed resource which is critical for wildlife and people. We are working with a broad coalition to find balanced solutions to water demands in Eastern Washington to find solutions to this pressing issue.

Be Out There

Today’s children are spending less and less time in the out of doors and more time plugged in inside. Our Be Out There campaign uses education, conservation and advocacy to help unplug kids and get them back outside. Programs include the Great American Backyard Campout, Ranger Rick, Eco-Schools, Gardening for Wildlife, National Wildlife Week and more!

Train tracks already run along the Columbia. Tracks like these would carry the coal laden trains along the river. Photo: Bryn Fluharty

Having lived in both Washington and Oregon I have many fond memories of the Columbia River. As a child I spent many a vacation paddling along its banks with my brother and scrambling along high cliffs which the river has carved out over a millennia. Recently, I have marveled at its beauty while crossing into Oregon and hiking and climbing through the scrub-land at its banks. I now fear that a new threat from the coal industry will compromise this area and spoil it for future generations.

A Growing Threat

This new threat comes from Arch Coal and Peabody Energy, who want to ship millions of tons of dirty coal from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and bring it to terminals in Washington and Oregon. Open bed trains full of coal and up to a mile-and-a-half long would wind their way along the Columbia each day on their way to ports along the Oregon and Washington Coast. These trains would leave trails of coal dust in their wake. This dust would settle over our lands and into our lungs causing health problems for local communities and the environment.

Port of Morrow

A serine evening on the Columbia in the Tri Cities, just upstream from the Port of Morrow. Photo: Bryn Fluharty

The coal dust and diesel pollution from the trains are the main concerns. Coal dust from the trains settles on the water, soil and vegetation, harming species like endangered salmon. The salmon runs that are dependent upon the Columbia River are already endangered by habitat loss and would be further stressed from this pollution. Coal dust can have significant impacts on human health as well: lung damage, aggravation of existing respiratory diseases such as asthma, pneumoconiosis, bronchitis and emphysema are all possible results of breathing coal dust.

The Port of Morrow is only the first of the at least six proposed projects, all of which would have similar impacts to our region. If implemented these projects would scar this area, compromising the water and the air of an area that is part of our regional heritage.

Moving Forward

We must take a stand against coal and tell our decision makers that they must stop these projects and promote a healthy environment and healthy communities. If you live in Oregon please contact Governor Kitzhaber and tell him that you do not want dirty coal brought through your communities or you can Take Action through the National Wildlife Federation. You can also learn more about these projects and their possible impacts by attending the rally in Portland – May 7th, 12pm in Pioneer Square, featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The glaciers on Mt. Adams are quickly retreating due to climate change Photo: Bryn Fluharty

Water Water Everywhere

According to the Department of Ecology’s Washington State’s Integrated Climate Response Strategy, increases in winter runoff and precipitation and more intense precipitation will lead to more severe flooding in the winter months. For many rivers, this will mean an increase of the magnitude of the 100-year flood under natural conditions. These events are predicted to increase by 20 to 30 percent by 2040, which will put more people in danger and stress our existing flood control systems, such as dams, levees and dykes.

Predictions for Increases in Flooding Under Two Climate Scenarios. Source: Tohver and Hamlet 2010

The Salmon Connection

Climate change will impact salmon by changing the stream flow, changing and decreasing habitat and increasing water temperatures. Exposure to severe floods is predicted to cause an increase in mortality for the eggs and juvenile fish of fall- and winter-spawning fish. These populations include Chinook, coho, chum, sockeye salmon, and bull trout.

Climate change will also result in a significant loss of salmon habitat. By 2090, potential losses in Oregon and Idaho will exceed 40 percent, and will top 22 percent in Washington. Floodplains—essential habitat for salmon—are already degraded, with 71% of Washington State’s floodplains in poor condition. Development continues in these sensitive areas, degrading what little floodplain habitat is left. National Wildlife Federation recognizes this loss of habitat as an important and pressing issue. We have taken the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to court over the impacts of the National Flood Insurance Program on salmon runs in Puget Sound.

It is imperative that we protect existing habitat and restore degraded habitat in order to help save our salmon and help protect against the impacts of climate change. If we do not we will lose a part of our natural history and culture. We have the opportunity to change and must act.