Why crows are leaving gifts for a woman in San Francisco

When we think of life in San Francisco's Marina District, these are the scenes that come to mind. People and pets, but nature? Not often, until we look above at who might be peering back down. So we have sort of rules established. Melinda Green is a retired computer programmer who spends considerable time at her apartment window or on her couch, looking out that window, waiting for her daily visitors. She will not need to call them for long. We are three years now into Melinda's relationships with two separate families of crows. They have come to learn that when the blinds open, they'll find treats on the landing of Melinda's fire escape and on the windowsill. Did you train them or did they train you? It's mutual. Now at this point you're probably thinking, a lot of people feed the birds outside their homes. But how often do the birds reciprocate? In Melinda's case, they do. The evidence is right here. This was the first item. First thing was a little foil top from a champagne bottle. Next, the crows left assorted rocks and gummy bears. Crows have been known to show this kind of behavior before. I think they just feel some affection for all the food. In a word, gifts. How else could Melinda explain this elaborate token left in the very same place where she puts the treats? It's an old piece of ancient electronics. You feel honored? I do. Who wouldn't? Proof again of how when we give, we tend to get back tenfold. One woman, in an apartment, in the city, coexisting. What do you think they add to your life? Uh, they're friends. In San Francisco, Wayne Friedman, ABC 7 News.