“It’s truly an honor.”
A Walk That Changed Everything
Every evening after work, Joni Kamlet takes a long walk through her neighborhood in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her usual route is about 3 to 4 miles, and for years it had been a peaceful part of her daily routine.
But one day in late April, something unusual caught her attention.
Up ahead, she noticed someone feeding the local crows. Then, to her surprise, one of the birds flew down and landed right on the person’s head.
That moment gave Kamlet an idea: she wanted to try making friends with the neighborhood crows herself.
Starting With Peanuts And Patience
Kamlet is a registered veterinary technician and has spent much of her life working with animals. So, getting to know the crows felt like a natural and exciting challenge.
She began bringing peanuts and cashews with her on her walks. Instead of trying to get too close right away, she placed the treats on fences, trash cans and other spots where the birds could safely land and pick them up.
The crows had already seen her walking through the neighborhood for years, so they seemed to recognize her. Once she started offering snacks, they quickly began paying attention.
Trust Begins To Grow
Day by day, the crows grew more comfortable around her. They started coming closer, following her route and watching for the treats she carried.
Kamlet even began leaving food for them on her balcony. Before long, the birds started bringing her little surprises in return.
Among their gifts were small painted pieces of ceramic and even a shiny quarter.
What began as a simple attempt to feed the birds slowly turned into a real connection.
The First Crow Landing
Exactly two months after Kamlet started trying to befriend them, something amazing happened.
A crow landed on her head.
After that first landing, it became a regular part of her walks. Now, it happens almost every day. More than one crow has joined in, and Kamlet can tell them apart by how heavy they feel and how confidently they land.
Some land smoothly, while others seem to be practicing, touching down awkwardly before flying away again.
A Special Part Of Her Route
There is now a particular half-mile stretch of Kamlet’s walk where the crows usually appear. Whenever she reaches that area, she looks forward to seeing which bird will visit her that day.
Over time, she has learned to recognize around 30 different crows in the neighborhood based on their habits and personalities.
To her, they are not just birds. They are clever, funny little characters with their own unique ways of interacting.
Her Walks Are Sweeter Now
Kamlet has shared videos of her crow friendships online, and many people have been amazed by the bond she has built.
For years, she walked the same streets alone. Now, her daily walks feel more magical because the crows have become part of the experience.
They follow her, greet her, accept her treats and sometimes even perch on her head like old friends.
A Beautiful Connection With Nature
Kamlet feels deeply grateful for the trust the crows have given her. Building a friendship with wild animals takes patience, kindness and consistency — and for her, every moment has been worth it.
What started with a few nuts placed on a fence turned into something much bigger.
Now, every walk reminds her that connection with nature can happen in the most unexpected and beautiful ways.