Well it’s been quite the week since my last post.
The video of the ravens playing and rolling in snow, featured in Raven Therapy Part 2, was also posted on social media. I thought there were probably a few people out there, feeling stressed like me, who might enjoy losing themselves in raven fun for a few minutes.
It turned out there were a LOT of people who really, really needed to see ravens being goofy in the snow last week. The first indication that things were going bonkers was when I got an email from a company called Viral Hog, wanting to “rep” my video and see if it could bring in revenue. I decided against that, but I did end up being interviewed for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and Vancouver is Awesome. (You can see the CBC TV interview here. It’s the whole news show and I don’t appear until about the 10:10 point but you can fast forward after the ads.) I’m told the video was also featured on the Weather Network. In weather obsessed Canada, that is truly making it to the big time.
I’m not too savvy with figuring out the statistics for my social media — I normally just post things I like and hope other people like them too. I did manage, however, to find a thing called Insights on my FB page and it showed that it’s “reach” had climbed from whatever humble number it normally hovers at, to 3.42 million. Now that’s almost scary!
If you’ve been waiting for a reply from me, I apologize as I’ve just lost track of the emails, comments and messages on all the different platforms. I’m gradually working my way through them, but I may never get back to everyone. I think things are beginning to settle down now. Phew.
I did manage to escape back up the mountains a couple of times amid all of this. There were, alas, no more playing ravens this week — but there was magic of many other varieties.
There were, for example, the impossibly cute Douglas squirrels darting about through the snowy landscape. I think they were feeding on seeds from cedar trees as we saw lots of those shaken from the trees and lying on top of the snow.
In the video below, a Douglas squirrel gives an energetic alarm call. I’m not sure what the emergency was, since they’re generally quite fearless around humans.
And a small squirrel drama in which the protagonist drops his seed, is confused and seems to blame me …
On another mountain trip, devoid of ravens, we were amply compensated by a Northern Pygmy Owl sighting.

Almost missed it as it’s just a tiny little dot on top of this tall tree on the right.
Far away as it was, it obligingly sat there for quite a while so I could use my long lens to get some photos of it …

The perfect little tree topper. I’m tempted to try and make one out of felt for next year’s Christmas tree!
The last time we went up the mountain, we reached the view point over Vancouver early in the morning— only to find someone there ahead of us. His presence may have explained the absence of ravens.
While the ravens (and the squirrels, ironically) were keeping a low profile, someone else was furious and not shy about letting everyone know. You can hear them in this video.
And here is our tiny protester …
Our little Norman the Nuthatch didn’t return to the garden this last winter, so every time I see one somewhere else I wonder if it’s him, living his best life out in the wide world.

Much, much smaller than a raven, but in their own minds, just as majestic!

Do not mess with this bird!

You would not want this bird to collide with any part of your body …
Another bird displeased by the eagle’s visit was this vociferous Steller’s Jay.

… and furthermore …

The literal blue bird of happiness
And so, no more viral raven videos this week — just the run-of-the-mill magic of finding all different kinds of amazing beauty.
You never know what it will be until you get there.
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Very good photos to look at. Over here nuthatches have a reputation for ‘bossing’ bird tables. Self-assertive you could say.
“run-of-the-mill magic”.. 💫 such beautiful and entertaining photos June.
Thanks, Shari! 🙂
What the lovely and heart warming blog ! It is wonderful and lifted my sagging spirit❤️ Thank you, Penny Hollett
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Hi June,
As usual, I am loving all your photos and write ups. So wish this pandemic would abate so we could get together. I love the nuthatch and steller jay photos in flight. Would make lovely coasters, just saying… And that little owl tree topper is certainly tempting to replicate on the Christmas tree. Stay safe and looking forward to the day we can share another cuppa.
That day must surely be coming soon, Anna Lee! 🙂
I am so pleased that all the world and Vancouver have seen your ravens at play and can appreciate covid humour and intelligence and experience your wonderfully written blog, photography and videos. Keep them coming they always warm my heart!
Congratulations on receiving so many accolades for your photo of “Ravens Playing in the Snow.” It was definitely award winning !
These current photos are so lovely. We had a few little Nuthatches this year and too many of the poor, sickly little Pine Siskins. We had to take the feeder down.
Enjoying your photos and blogs, look forward to each one !
Those Bald Eagles never seem to win any popularity contests! I wonder why? 😆
Me again. Caught your video of ravens playing in the snow on the weather network site. Nice to see your talent being enjoyed by so many. You have taught me so much about observing nature. Thank you, June.