From: Dr. Padraig O Siadhail’s Irish Folklore course

The Old Crow Teaches the Young Crow

There was an old crow long ago, and he made a nest. After a time, only one of his brood remained with him. One day the old crow took the young one out into the field to teach him how to fly. When the young crow had learned how to fly and was able to go to any part of Ireland, the old crow said:

"I think that you are able to fly anywhere now and make your living by yourself. Before you go, I want to give you a little advice that will protect you from danger, as it protected myself."

"Tell it to me," said the young crow.

"If you are ever in a potato field or cornfield and see a man coming toward you with something under his arm or in his hand, fly off immediately, fearing he may have a gun and may shoot you."

"I understand," said the young crow.

"Another bit of advice to you, " said the old crow. "If you see a man bending down as he comes toward you in the field, or on the road, fly off as fast as you can, for he will be picking up a stone to throw it at you. If he has nothing under his arm and if he doesn't bend down, you're safe."

"That's all very well," said the young crow," but what if he has a stone in his pocket?"

"Off you go," said the old crow. "You know even more than myself!"