San Jose man asks: Do crows have any redeeming value?

DEAR JOAN >> Every year the crow population increases — they have no predators — in my neighborhood. They raided our dove’s nest, flying away with a baby. They harass my bluebirds, but can’t get into the bluebird nest box. They take over and make a mess of the birdbath, and wake up the neighborhood at 5:30 a.m. every day.

They are bold and just plain annoying. I don’t see them do anything beneficial for the environment.

Any ideas on how to deter them? I read laying out a fake, dead crow might work, but I think they will figure that out quickly.

— Kurt Gustafson, San Jose

DEAR KURT >> I sense that I won’t convince you about the good side of crows, but I’m going to try, because they do make a contribution.

They are loyal to their flocks, working together to drive off predators and protect their territories and families, and some younger birds help their parents with the next generation of crows.

During a nesting season, a flock can eat 40,000 grubs, caterpillars and other “undesirable” insects, meaning gardeners and farmers don’t have to use pesticides or not as much as they otherwise might.

Crows also are responsible for transporting (you don’t really want to know where) seeds, helping to renew forests and sometimes giving us a “bonus” plant in our gardens. They also eat a lot of carrion, clearing away dead animals that would otherwise make life unpleasant.

That might not make up for their loud cawing and bullying behavior, but it is worth acknowledging.

I’ve heard from many readers that the fake dead crow works. The key is to place the crow under cover of darkness, so the crows don’t see you do it. They will move on after seeming to pay their respects to their fallen comrade. If they return, put the faux bird back out again.

DEAR JOAN >> I rescued a kitten on Aug 30. She was so tiny, I suspect she was separated from her mother too soon.

My problem is this: She has started suckling on my female Yorkie, who has never had puppies. I believe she is producing milk now. It’s getting worse rather than better.

Molly, the dog, is so sweet, she just lets her and she treats her like she’s her baby. I’ve tried wrapping her in the male dog’s wraps, but she can get out of it faster than I can put it on.

— Lynn Nichols, Meridian, Mississippi

DEAR LYNN >> Kittens that are taken from their moms too early can develop the habit of nursing on other animals, but experts say that as long as the dog doesn’t mind and is not being harmed, there is no real problem with it. The kitten is getting comfort, Molly is apparently enjoying feelings of motherhood, and they are creating a bond for life.

When the kitten is a little older, she should stop on her own, but there’s a chance she won’t. The milk has no nutritional value to her.

Whenever you see the suckling begin, distract her with a toy, a treat, attention from you — or all three. You also can try rubbing Molly’s nipples with Bitter Apple or some other type of ointment available at your favorite pet supply store. Use something that won’t harm Molly or the kitten, but will leave a bad taste in the kitten’s mouth.