By ELEANOR MARTIN

On an early summer day with lilacs blooming the air seems to hold a special fragrance.

Two crows came flying in; their black coats seemed iridescent in the sunlight. One crow dramatically struts across the lawn and with a flap of his wings he seems to balance effortless on top of a picket fence, partly hidden by the lilac bush, his wings outspread in a magnificent courtship display.

His mate not far away gives a caw caw. Crows cannot lay any claim to being songbirds, but they must have other attributes unique characteristics we know nothing about.

Breakfast is ready and waiting for other members of our family to join us, the aroma of coffee drifting out on the morning air. We unlatch the garden gate and stroll down the garden path to the, asparagus bed. Sure enough it’s ready to harvest. Such a delightful vegetable. Cooked and spread on toast points it is a real treat, not to mention asparagus soup and casseroles. If left to grow it makes a lovely background for cut flowers.

My aunt calls from an upstairs window. We drop the asparagus pan, clippers and all rush to her side. She said, "A crow came into my bedroom window and took my ring off the dresser. What shall I do? I can never replace it. There he goes across the neighbor’s yard into the fields."

Look! A bird is flying in a circle and seems to be coming back. He came closer and dropped the ring into the gutter on the house into bits of string and leaves. This must be his storehouse. It's almost like a miracle unfolding before your eyes. He took the ring, and brought it back. A happy ending for one day.

There they go across the fields flying high, side by side back home somewhere, maybe a cornfield where they find food, or maybe they are looking for another adventure.

Listen to the mockingbird, come on and do your song. These crows are about to invade your territory.