Author Topic: Ravens (Read 2869 times)

lord flynn · « **on:** September 16, 2016, 06:08:22 pm »

We have a large ravenry close by so are used to seeing them fly over-generally though they fly out in their pairs early and late on, high up to go farther afield. Today though, there are pairs doing acrobatics all round the house

and I wondered why they might be? They mate for life I think so could these be younger birds pairing up? I know they cause issues for local farmers but I do love watching them.

We also have a young heron, he seems a bit confused and keeps landing on the lane. Earlier on, he landed on our driveway and scared the hell out of my young ducks

greenbeast · « **Reply #1 on:** September 16, 2016, 09:14:54 pm »

It has been observed that young (and older) pairs, love to fly acrobatic together, who knows why

The breeding pair here have been pretty active doing divebombs this morning and fly-bys this afternoon.
I'm still in awe of them, their vocalisations always catch my immediate attention
My captive bred one is always attentive when he hears them pass by.

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #2 on:** September 23, 2016, 05:49:23 pm »

Quote from: lord flynn on September 16, 2016, 06:08:22 pm

I know they cause issues for local farmers but I do love watching them.

I think you mean picking the anus, eyes, navel and tongue out of newborn lambs?

lord flynn · « **Reply #3 on:** September 26, 2016, 07:38:07 am »

Quote from: Marches Farmer on September 23, 2016, 05:49:23 pm

Quote from: lord flynn on September 16, 2016, 06:08:22 pm
I know they cause issues for local farmers but I do love watching them.
I think you mean picking the anus, eyes, navel and tongue out of newborn lambs?

yes, thanks for mansplaining, am quite aware of what they can do.

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #4 on:** October 30, 2016, 08:31:27 pm »

I think I may be COMplaining that it's necessary to take a shotgun and shoot newborn rare breed lambs that it's taken years of diligent shepherding and meticulous performance recording to produce, because the powers-that-be appear to believe ravens are cuddlier corvids than crows and rooks.

Fleecewife · « **Reply #5 on:** October 31, 2016, 01:00:28 am »

Quote from: lord flynn on September 26, 2016, 07:38:07 am

Quote from: Marches Farmer on September 23, 2016, 05:49:23 pm
Quote from: lord flynn on September 16, 2016, 06:08:22 pm
I know they cause issues for local farmers but I do love watching them.
I think you mean picking the anus, eyes, navel and tongue out of newborn lambs?

yes, thanks for mansplaining, am quite aware of what they can do.

Other corvids do that too - in much greater numbers. We are still at the stage of finding ravens to be a novelty, as we only get the odd pair here (probably from your ravenry Fran). I know my attitude will change if they go attacking our livestock, but so far they stay in the air or in the trees. There are lots of other corvids here which chase the ravens away.

in the hills · « **Reply #6 on:** October 31, 2016, 03:39:41 pm »

We did have them 'hanging around' one year as our Soay were lambing. The ewes were upset by their presence but didn't actually see them doing anything untoward. Maybe looking for afterbirth?

Local farmer says that he has never had them cause a problem in 50 odd years up here.

They are beautiful to watch, though I understand you may not feel that way if you have repeated problems with them.

greenbeast · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2016, 09:30:34 pm »

They are one of the most intelligent and adaptable birds in nature. i expect this explains the variable behaviour. there are acres of sheep round here and ravens in fact nesting within hundreds of metres without issue.
I love seeing the wild ones and i sincerely hope they live out their natural lives here (30+ years) and are not shot prematurely.