While Whidbey Island has no shortage of remarkable birds to watch, it can be easy to overlook some of its more common yet equally entertaining species.

According to a bird expert in the state, there’s been an increase in crow numbers on Whidbey in recent years, which is good news for those cheering for the crows in their mostly friendly rivalry with gulls.

When it comes to food sources, crows and gulls are known squabblers, competing for similar things to eat. Steve Ellis, a member of the Whidbey Audubon Society, said a crow would rob eggs from a gull nest if given the chance. But apart from this form of predation, most of these scuffles are bloodless affairs.

“Crows are just the right size to prosper around humans,” Ellis said, noting that the jet-black birds can eat large food items,

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