Hello
Today I saw a lone crow clicking and fanning its tail (without bowing). It also was pecking at twigs on the tree where it was, like it was going to break one off but didn't.
As there was no other bird present what may it have been doing?
Meredith
You say there was no other bird present, that doesn't mean there isn't one in the locality, within the communication range, visual or audible, and the behaviour may not have been in relation to another bird, there may have been a mammal, or something that could be invading the crows territory.
As for 'not bowing', I've no idea, I'm not animal or wildlife behavioural trained, but I'd be surprised if there wasn't another crow, or more than one crow not that far away. Crows, as with all corvids, are very intelligent birds, and will communicate in many different ways.
In fact, I'd even say that wildlife generally is far more intelligent than given credit for.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler