Approach behaviors towards people recognized and remembered as food providers

Lynn
Participant

Chirps: 48
Just wondering if anyone has stories to share about how any crows first approached to request food. Although we hear about the well-known experiment showing how crows remember and react to people they regard as threats, I have only found one source providing detailed behavioral description of how crows remember and react to people who were of benefit to them, here: https://www.earthtouchnews.com/natural-world/animal-behaviour/when-crows-attack/ According to the article, they use a quieter approach, described as
Crows seeking a handout, for one thing, might tap a person with their feet, but don't typically initiate the more painful beak-on-flesh contact... "Aggressive crows will attempt to stay out of view," Pendergraft added via email. "They'll perch high and fly around constantly, whereas the hungry crows will deliberately remain in the person's field of view when possible – they are hoping to be fed." While panhandling birds usually keep quiet, defensive ones caw a lot.
As I only found this one source describing crow food solicitation behavior, I'm unsure how well-studied this phenomenon is. So I thought it'd be interesting to see if others here have had any crows seek them out in a similar manner.
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Paul
Participant

Chirps: 1
Any advice on ways to attract Crows? There are quite a few that live around our propery in Western North Carolina, but I have not been able to make any meaningful contact with them. When I approach to provide food, they simply fly away
- Lynn
  Participant
  
  Chirps: 48
  One thing I've heard about attracting crows is that, initially, they'll be very cautious as you described. So the best way forward is to offer food they like, such as unsalted in-shell peanuts, by setting the food down (don't toss it in their direction because they've been known to interpret this as an aggressive act) and then walking away. It may take them time to come check out the food (after you leave), but they'll eventually make the association with you as the food giver. As they grow to trust, they may accept you being at some distance as they get the food. However, they don't particularly like being watched directly as they grab the food since having their heads down puts them in a vulnerable position. The crows I feed approached me because they noticed me giving a California scrub jay pair unsalted peanuts for several months, and decided they wanted to take part. That's when I began witnessing their "asking for food" gestures. I've been told that they are observant and noticed how I treat the scrub jays well (respecting their space) and how comfortable the scrub jays are around me. I believe that's how they came to decide to ask for food! :-)