If you were to walk outside and see a flock of song birds, then you probably would be in admiration and awe of their beauty. But walk outside and see a murder of crows or a flock of seagulls and instantly the movie “The Birds” comes to mind. Some species have gotten the short end of the stick. Perhaps a lot has to do with how these species have been portrayed in moves and in literature. It has tainted the mind with dark images of death and portents of doom.

To get an idea of the role that the birds in this world have played, you can turn to literature. Edgar Allen Poe’s tale of “The Raven” and its sinister cries of “nevermore” have long riveted audiences. Ravens and crows have definitely gotten their fair share of a bad rap. Even in the classic Disney tale of “Sleeping Beauty,” the evil villainess has a pet crow/raven that is her evil spy.

The wild bird definitely deserves some respect. It is just like other wild animal. You have to keep in mind that it is territorial, will defend itself and has to find a food source. And while crows/ravens have received some bad press thanks to authors and filmmakers, vultures and other carrion eating birds have repulsed mankind for eons. This bird species is a scavenger. Anytime you see vultures or buzzards circling in the air, you know that there is either something dying or something that has already died. Most people do not set up bird feeders to attract these types of birds. They want colorful birds, songbirds and delicate hummingbirds to grace their gardens and yards.

Perhaps it is time that people got over their fear of the birds that have gotten such a tough break in literature and movies. You do not have to worry about going outside and a murder of crows attacking you for no reason. The raven is not a symbol of death or a portent of bad things ahead. They are just two legged, winged wild animals that serve a specific function in the animal kingdom.