FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Re: Raven thoughts?

[SteveYoung@xxxxxxx]

As you may know, Bernd Heinrich has written some wonderful books about ravens 
and talks a lot about them in other books not focused on them exclusively. 
Check "Mind of the Raven" and "Ravens in Winter." He makes a great case for the 
intelligence and other amazing characteristics of these birds.
If memory serves, his research shows that younger ravens may develop pair 
bonds fairly early along, and they may roam considerable distances searching 
for 
food resources and territories that are not already occupied by older, 
established pairs. The Occoquan pair could represent such a case. It sounds 
like 
there is some potential for range extension as they may not be harrassed as 
much 
as they once were by shooting and poisoning. Maine, where Heinrich is based, 
has seen expansion including to the DownEast coast.

If you like birds, and you haven't read Heinrich before, seek him out. The 
raven books are great, and "A Year in the Maine Woods" is also a wonderful 
read. 
Plus others of his books. He also has some fascinating discussions about 
Golden-crowned Kinglets and solving the mystery of how such a tiny bird, 
primarily 
insectivorous, can survive brutal Maine winters. Cheers,

       Steve Young
       Arlington, No. VA


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