This video shows a cow performing versatile tool use to scratch herself with a broom.  Note that cows are already enthusiastic tool users of equipment provided by humans, such as pressure-activated brushes and voluntary milking systems.

An interesting point that nobody has mentioned: cows have prehensile tongues. A prehensile appendage is any body part flexible and strong enough to grab or manipulate objects. Watch Veronica pick up the broom. She doesn't use her teeth or even her lips. She uses her tongue. Prehensility is actually a strong indicator of intelligence, because it allows a creature to lift, move, or use things much more effectively. Any time you see that feature, you should check for intelligence, because it is probably higher than average.

Want to play at home? If you have a cow, or know someone who does, then get a small broom like the one in the video. Use it a few times to groom the cow so she learns how useful it is. Then place it within her reach to see if she tries using it to scratch herself. This is probably more effective with just one or two cows, rather than a herd where they tend to groom each other's hard-to-reach spots. You can also watch cows that you see in other places.

Today is sunny and frigid.  Everything is still covered in snow.

I fed the birds.  I've seen a flock of sparrows.

I put out water for the birds.

EDIT 1/26/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.

I've seen at least one female and four male cardinals.

EDIT 1/26/26 -- I did more work around the patio.

I've seen a pair of cardinals, a starling, and a mourning dove.

EDIT 1/26/26 -- I did more work around the patio.

I am done for the night.