Mountains of Ravens

Reposted from March 2022 newsletter

Common Ravens are everywhere here, making observations of them as easy as choosing which parking lot to position myself in.  As a highly intelligent animal, they learn and adapt their diet and shelter requirements to the situation in front of them.  Being a talented tool user is a super skill, too.

Aside from its abundant presence and skillful adaptability, if you are in tune with your surroundings this animal makes itself very conspicuous come mid-February.

How, you ask?  By showing off their super-power-astounding-aerial-flight-abilities!  Have you seen them barrel-rolling their way through the air at whiplash speed?  The quick turns and flips?  Pairing up locking talons midair?  Flying upside down?

Sometimes you'll see juvenile ravens in small groups, seemingly playing out the roles of their elders, chasing and challenging each other in practice for future romance.  I recently observed as many as seven individuals displaying this behavior.

Ravens can be found in the western and all northern parts of North America.  Look up where you live.  It's breathtaking to watch.

Skip over to my Meanderings Blog for a brief but wonderous take on Ravens.

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