Have you befriended some of them?
Since I was a boy I was wandering around with my pockets full of seeds, and still do. When I became older I wanted to know how exactly it can be achieved... heres a small guide how to befriend Corvids:
0. Preperation and Equipment:
-Learn some local Corvid slang. They can be rather talkative and once you know how to interpret their calls its easy to guess their mood. Its not that hard to learn as it may sound.
-Corvids can remember faces but its easier if you have something like a bright hat with a shiny bauble attached to it. (I for example have my traditional austrian felt head with shiny badges from hiking routes)
-Bring lots of patience, never rush anything.... the whole process of befriending a wild corvid will at least take 1-2 years and if they dont like you because of... youknow, unknown bird reasons.... you might even never gain their trust.
1. Put out some food for them on a daily basis. Regularity is the trick here! After a while they will add this spot to their routine and at one point even count on it. So dont be suprised if they trash the place when you forget about it too often....
2. Find out what the local gang likes to eat, they can be very picky especially if you dont have any insects or carrion to offer. Dont even try to overfeed them and use bigger pieces of fruit, nuts or seeds unless you want the smaller birds to sit at the table first. At least around here they are crazy for unsalted and soaked in water cashews, I think its easy to spot from above cause of the bright color and resemblance to a juicy grub.
3. Ignore them. They will understand its you who puts out the food and gonna think they are stealing it. They become more and more cheecky every time and soon it will awaken their interest that this strange human isnt getting angry while blatantly his food is beeing stolen but instead even delivers more.
4. Dont show anger. Now comes the worst part... once they are absolutely sure youre not a threat, but dont know if they can trust you, they will start playing tricks on you (to fish for heavier reactions maybe to see if youre a possible playmate, only let them pass or still would whack em good if they get too annoying). They can be very creative but remember: its their weird way of showing affection...
5. Try to be closer to them without making it obvious and stay calm. They are easy to bribe so always have some goodies ready.
6. Once they also start to feel comfortable around you and dont just fly away after the feast.... its time for revenge! Now its finaly your turn to figure out ways to tease them! But always do the happy croaking sound to let them know you have been an arse on purpose but not because you wanted to harm your buddy but because you think it was funny. Be cautious though, corvids can be quite resentful! : )
