The Guardians

I know some people despise Crows for their wily ways and general peskiness.   I find them a great deal of fun to have around.   Of course we don't have dozens of them, just a few, so I can forgive their bossiness and need for control.   They watch over the property and alert the other birds to intruders such as hawks.   They allow some birds to share the space, but have moments when they would prefer everyone clear out.   I enjoy their Crow sounds which are quite varied.   And unlike most of their cousins, the Magpies, they don't really mind if I take their photograph.   I think the Magpies are the gangbangers and the Crows are more lawful.   The Magpies try to intimidate the Crows with their numbers, but aren't very successful.   So mostly, they live in peace among our chickens while sharing the chicken feed and water buckets.   

Most mornings you can find one or more of them sitting on the poles, calling out to one another or barking warnings at intruders.   Now if only they would do something about the flying mice, aka sparrows.

wil·y  

/ˈwīlē/

Adjective Skilled at gaining an advantage, esp. deceitfully.

Synonyms crafty - sly - artful - astute - tricky - canny - shrewd