Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus

The Fish Crow, an Almanac

• In the old tongue the Fish Crow was the reaper's beadle, and folk stepped careful round it.
• Those up the holler will tell you that its first call of the year is answered with a crust set on the sill, or not at all.
• It is now understood among men of learning that its restlessness precedes a change of weather by nine hours.
• The Fish Crow keeps Gallows Hill honest, which is why the tannery flats has never cared for it.
• Some reckon it will not cross a swept threshold for love nor money.

Folklore, invented on the spot — not to be believed.