This is bird note.

You're hearing American crows defending their nest, protecting their young.

Although the American crow may seem rather blase about pillaging another bird's nest, like that of this housefinch.

It regards a threat to its own young as a punishable offense.

Crows are territorial, very protective of their food sources, ferocious and fearless as parents.

Young crows fledge, or leave the nest, when they're around five or six weeks old and nearly the same size as adults.

But they still can't feed or protect themselves.

Fortunately, their parents look out for them for months.

In fact, immature crows don't mate until they're at least two years old.

They often stay with the family all that time, learning from the parents, and even helping with next year's brood.

To protect their young, adult crows dive bomb, people, cats and other birds or animals.

They strike with their feet, whip with their wings, and pack if they get a chance.

The best thing you can do when their baby crows around is keep your distance.

For Bird Note, I'm Mary McCann.