Common Raven on a sign at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I wanted to share a simple Common Raven perched on a sign at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge image today. I took this photo last week while on the auto route after I spotted the raven with the distant Promontory Mountains in the background.
I’ve had a hard time getting close to Common Ravens unless I am at Yellowstone or Grand Canyon National Parks or places where ravens patrol the parking areas looking for food that tourists have dropped.
But I enjoy seeing these large corvids. In fact, I adore them. And why wouldn’t I? I admire their glossy black plumage and how I usually spot them in pairs. This Common Raven looked to be alone but there was another raven foraging on the ground across the river that this bird could see.
Because the vehicle that I was riding in wasn’t turned off yet I missed some photos of this bird jumping up and down on this sign and the few photos I got of it jumping were soft. A few weeks ago I missed out on taking portraits of a Common Raven perched on a fence post out in the West Desert for the same exact reason.
These corvids aren’t a nemesis species for me now but I do miss out on a lot of photos of them because they are so skittish. Even a ding from a vehicle can make them take off immediately. I wish I could communicate with Common Ravens and tell them that I mean them no harm. Because I never do.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Common Raven photos plus facts and information about this species.
Many years ago I had the privilege of living for about a week on the edge of an indigenous village on the west coast
of Vancouver Island The young man who had assumed the post as my guide and mentor had a degree from UBC in Vancouver. I learned a lot. He asked if I wanted to meet an Indigenous Witch. I knew from his smile it would be worthwhile. We went and met the oldest woman in the settlement who was some where aground 80 yrs old. And bless her looked like a witch. Spoke no Whitman’s tongue but was happy to meet me. My guide said wait till you see her leave! —-She walked with a sick, wore a black hat, to go with her black dress. and was all bent over. Before she left she whistled and Four Ravens appeared from the Bush and walked with their in their ungainly stride. The Lady was talking to them as they formed a line behind her and they were talking back in the same language. Down the path they went. All talking at the same time —I was speechless. Can you understand what the birds are saying? I asked? Yes, he says that’s the problem quite often they are repeating what she just said but sometimes not! Sometimes it is about another subject——-I personally think they can talk the language. But I do not tell everyone that. They might lock me up. The lady always had four Ravens she clipped their wings and she said she did something with their tongues. I know from the Ravens around my place at Nanoose Bay that they can mimic your voice and in a week or so of mornings working outside can say “Good Morning Ravens”
Beautiful. I am a huge fan of the corvid family. They are such intelligent, family minded birds. We have a family of Bearded Ravens which visit. The male comes first and when (and only when) he is sure that there are no threats he calls the family in. I am sure that their skittishness is often a learned and smart reaction. We so often don’t treat corvids at all well.