About a year ago I posted the first Raven Therapy story. The world had just shifted in ways that, at that point, we couldn’t really grasp. All I knew was that I needed therapeutic ravens, and that other people might need them too.
Formal raven couple, convinced that this trail has been groomed just for them
I turns out that, in the months since then, there were long periods when it was impossible to get up into the mountains and hang out with ravens — trails being closed to avoid crowding … or trails open, but too crowded to feel safe. On rare and happy occasions a raven or two would grace our neighbourhood.
As we mark the Covid anniversary (even with glimmers of light at the end of the tunnel) I definitely needed a booster dose of raven therapy. Perhaps you do too.
Resisting the covid with the corvid.
These are photos and videos from a couple of recent early morning trips to the local mountains.
Just in case you’re in a rush and don’t have time to read all of this at once, here’s the most potent shot of raven therapy first.
Ravens playing in the snow. In my humble opinion, there are few things more joyful.
If you have time to stay around, I’ll be sharing a few looks at the details of raven beauty and some more observations on their amazing behaviour. A veritable raven therapy spa experience!
Like crows in snow, I love photographing ravens in that pure white backdrop — especially on a nice cloudy day where all the details are revealed.
Raven catching just the softest rays of early morning sunshine
The intricate armour of a raven’s feet
Raven feet and feathers
Raven strut
Raven’s Leap — another excellent pub name!
Hearing a little more of the complicated raven vocabulary is always a thrill (see also Learning to Speak Raven.)
A snippet of raven conversation …
And a general “here I am” raven call …
Perhaps the most joyful sight was this behaviour between a raven pair.
Raven joins her mate
He feeds her. This is preparation behaviour for nesting season, where the female will beg for food from the male to trigger that instinct in him to keep her fed later in the season while she’s sitting on the eggs.
Just after this happened, I saw this rather funny exchange.
Raven couple standing together
A slight head movement …
Beaks touch …
The moment turns into a full examination of his beak for possible hidden snacks — say aaaah
For more raven therapy:
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They are endlessly fascinating – for instance, never knew about the pre-nesting feeding practice! I enjoy your writing so much.
Watching ravens play in the snow – so wonderful; the best ever!
Side effects: Big smiles and lots of good feelings.
Thank you so very much for your postings!!
Love seeing them play! So wonderful!
Thank you!
I have a resident Raven in my land on Texada island. I leave leftovers out for him,her? and I always hear him vocalize to me when he’s not happy with the quality of the offerings lol. I have a problem with rats invading my dwelling and I wish I could tell him to take out the rats that are invading my living space. It would be very helpful and improve our relationship 😏
I’ve often thought that trained crow and raven assassins could be an environmentally friendly way to combat rodent infestations. Someone needs to look into this … 🙂
I love reading your urban nature blog and thoroughly enjoy your photos and videos.
I am often smiling and chuckling to myself as I read! It has been great therapy during these challenging Covid times.
Thank you so much June.
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