Camera Critters #233

A long time ago, when I was in grade school, I read Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven."

The poem meant little to me, as I had no idea what a Raven was.  I had thought the Common Crow seen everywhere in my young world, was the Raven of Poe lore.

Then I began travelling the world and developed an interest in birds.  I learned to tell the difference between a Raven and a Crow in flight (Ravens have tail feathers which end in a rounded point, while the tail feathers on Crows is more or less straight across its width).  I still have a bit of trouble identifying either bird by its voice.   However, for me, getting closer to the subject is a better way to identify the two.

Since settling down in central Oregon, where there is a good supply of both Ravens and Crows, I have come to appreciate Poe's foreboding avian.

The other morning while I was feeding the horses, I caught something out of the corner of my eye and saw it.  A Raven was on the top of a nearby tree watching my every move.  As I completed my chores, I would glance over towards the tree top and see the Raven still there.

So I went into the house and got my camera.  Worried that the smoke in the air from a 24,000 acres nearby fire might muddy the image, I lifted my Canon to my eye, and was able to snap off a couple of shots before the Raven flew off, joining three other Raven intent on harassing a passing Red-tailed Hawk.

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,

  Though its answer little meaning- little relevancy bore;

    For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being

  Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber

    Ever yet was blest with seeing bird above his chamber 


door,



        With such name as "Nevermore."




Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.