On at least my last three trips up to Bear River MBR, I have found a Common Raven pair in the same general area of the north side of the auto tour route.
Common Raven on a 25 mph speed limit sign – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The pair of Common Ravens are beginning to feel like ‘friends’ to me, or like feathered greeters welcoming me to the autumn marsh. I love seeing this pair of ravens. I was happy to take photos of one of the ravens perched on a 25 mph speed limit sign.
Yes, the sign shows the hand of humans and for some photographers that is undesirable. I am not “some” photographers though as I am sure most of you already know.
I take photos of my avian subjects where I find them. The birds always decide where they want to be. Sometimes, that is on something human-made.
Common Raven on the auto tour route road, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge – Nikon D500, f8, 1/500, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The mate of the Common Raven on the sign was close by, as they usually are. The raven was on the dirt road of the auto tour loop and appeared to be enjoying the warmth of the morning light.
The sun felt good to me too after seeing a low of 24°F.
Typically, I don’t think of Common Ravens as marsh inhabitants, but this pair seems to like this area. I’m glad that they do because their preference has given me several opportunities to have them in my viewfinder.
Maybe the next time I see this raven pair they will allow me to approach a tiny bit closer. I would love that.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Common Raven photos plus facts and information about this species.
I know that Ravens are big, beautiful, intelligent and highly adaptable in most environments…but what I didn’t know, until your post, was that they mated for life. Fascinating. Thanks Mia.
Wonderful photos….there is NOTHING “common”” about common ravens…..
Love the fellow on the sign and want to shoo his mate out of the road.
Our culdesac ravens were out and about early this morning when I left for a meeting. They’re so much fun to watch. (On a recent afternoon, it looked like they were playing tag with each other.)
Lol I have seen the pair there the last three trips! It’s the sign where the rough legged hawk used to dependable be sitting warmer her back in the rising sun. I have not seen her is a few years
I adore ravens. Such intelligent family minded birds.
Glinting feathers give dimension to the birds against a flat backdrop, lending a sense of atmosphere on the warming morning.