Raven

Day 205 #365DaysWild

January grey. Hedges drip. Low cloud clings above the trees.

Approaching through the mist the unmistakable deep ‘cronk’ call of a single Raven. Flying low. It sees me and turns.

Shortly after a second bird. Large. Dark black. But slender with a wedge tail. Direct flight.

A pair.

Recent studies have shown ravens are more-intelligent than our great ape cousins gorillas and orang-utangs. Fascinating and insufficiently understood. Quite remarkably, Natural England issue licences to allow their slaughter.

Looking back in the records of Nottinghamshire Birdwatchers, ravens were not recorded as being present in the county in 1993.

Although not seen frequently, this was my second record for the month. Against the odds they are on the rise.

An avian success story!