If you don’t know much about Common Ravens you might wonder why I selected them to be the featured love birds on this Valentine’s Day.
Pair of Common Ravens on the edge of a snow storm – Nikon D300, f8, 1/400, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
I selected Common Raven’s because when I am in the field, I almost always see them in pairs. Perched side by side on power poles, signs, tree tops, or rocky outcroppings. Ravens playing in the snow, foraging together, or getting into mischief. I see them in pairs. All year long, no matter what the weather conditions are.
There have been times that I have sat and watched Common Ravens snuggled close together on a perch and have listened as they call softly to each other. It’s more like a whisper than a call. I have often wished that I could understand what they are saying when they do that.
Pair of Common Ravens – Nikon D200, f8, 1/750, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Yesterday morning at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, I saw two pairs of ravens. One of the pairs of ravens was perched side by side on a sign along the auto tour route. That pair flew off before I could photograph them.
When I was driving back towards the interstate, I saw a lone raven in a tree on the riverbank and wondered where its mate was. Just a split second after wondering about that, I saw a dark form lift off from the frozen river, and I realized the mate hadn’t been that far away. The second raven flew to the tree and landed next to the raven in the tree.
Common Ravens might not seem like love birds to some people. Over the years that I have been observing them, that is exactly what I have thought of ravens because I almost always see them in pairs.
If you do know Common Ravens, then you know why I featured them today.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Common Raven photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a special, even mythical, bird. I was initially inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven” in high school. I’ve since learned that Ravens are highly intelligent and play a significant role in nearly every culture going way back in history. Wonderful pics. Thanks Mia.
I agree many birds have close mate bonds, most don’t stop and observe. I have watched birds grieve over a lost mate.
The perfect Valleytines post! ❤️
Thank you, Mia for posting and writing about ravens. Many birds have such bonds, it’s just that we don’t watch them enough to see.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you also.
P.S. Hope that Salt Lake powers take serious action about the Great Salt Lake. Shrugging shoulders is not an option. The decision
is between $$$ and health of people and birds.