While out walking today I saw birds on the ground. They were hopping, not flying, not apparently trying to fly. That's just how they got around on the ground. Not the first time I'd seen birds doing that, but I did start to wonder why some tended to hop while pigeons and ducks, to take two examples, walked to get around when they weren't in flight. The answer is elementary but interesting. It's apparently an adaptation caused by perching in trees, where walking isn't really a practical means of motion. Well, whatever works for them.
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I can't recall exactly how it was that we began taking peanuts along on our walks in Point Pleasant Park, but it's likely because we first saw the place in autumn and met the creatures there. The most delightful surprise was seeing the tiny red Eastern Squirrels when our first impression was that they were babies. Not true, they really are about the size of chipmunks, albeit with long fluffy tails. Anyway, we got to love watching their antics and as the weather grew colder it seemed they'd likely enjoy some easy snacks. It turned out there were others who liked peanuts too, among them the chickadees, bluejays and, naturally enough, the crows.
There was one group of crows who had a leader we began calling Hopster. That was because he'd meet us on the road to their favourite patch of ground by hopping and dancing in front of us to lead us to that spot. They really are very intelligent birds, but just like with people, some are more clever than others.
I see what you mean about red Eastern squirrels. Besides being very small they have this babyish or cubbish look to their faces. Even moreso than is usual for rodents. (Although I imagine we'd like mice quite a bit more if they weren't, from our perspective, home invaders.) It's pretty cool that they were your gateway to getting to know the local wildlife a little better.
Crows do seem to be more a group of hoppers than walkers. Makes sense as if you hear them and look around, the most likely place to see them is in a tree. Or on a telephone wire, as they are an adaptable bunch. "Hopster" is a nice catchy name.
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