This isn’t my typical idea of a Common Raven photo because the raven’s face can’t be seen. But I like this photo of the raven about to land on the frozen marsh.
Winter Common Raven back view – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
For me, certain images just speak to me, and this one did. I didn’t miss seeing the raven’s face. There was something very pure about the contrast of the raven’s dark plumage and the white of the snow covered ice.
The photo was taken at the tail end of winter out on the marshes of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
I’ve very much enjoyed seeing Common Ravens since I moved to Utah. I never saw them in Florida when I lived there, and while I was there, I missed them. They were a common sight for me in Colorado when I lived there.
In Utah, I’ve seen Common Ravens in the marshes at Bear River MBR, in the deserts, ranchlands, and mountain ranges. I’ve also seen them in red rock country, the sagebrush steppe, grasslands, and pinyon pine forests. Usually, I see them in pairs.
A world without these intelligent ravens would be a sad world. Like their cousins, the crows, there are people who dislike them or are superstitious about their presence. For me, their presence is akin to meeting up with a good friend. I enjoy them and their company when I am out wandering.
I haven’t always gotten the photos of these ravens that I hoped for. They can be skittish at times, especially when they aren’t used to getting handouts like they do at some National Parks. However, I can say that I have been happy to take every photo of them that I have.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Common Raven photos plus facts and information about this species.
This is such a dramatic image. I love the contrasting black of the raven over the icy white landscape [just as you described it]. It reminds me of an incoming “Blackbird” stealth bomber from the ’70’s. Fabulous bird…fabulous aircraft…fabulous pic. Thanks Mia.
We don’t have Common Ravens very much in Niagara so I get excited when I do see a pair or the odd flock of them. Of course we have always had American Crows but now we have, for the last few years, had scads of Fish Crows.
Liz, I haven’t seen a Fish Crow since I left Florida, how wonderful that you have them there!