Raven in Carroll Co.

Robert Ringler (ringler@cct.infi.net)
Sun, 15 Mar 1998 08:17:13 -0800


Hi Folks,
	I was out of the country last month when the report of a raven 
heard in the Liberty Watershed came in, but I would like to add a few 
notes.
	There are only a few previous reports of ravens in Carroll 
County.  All have come from the southeastern area, most in the vicinity 
of the North Branch of the Patapsco River which includes Liberty Lake.  
One was seen some years ago at Piney Run Park.  So the possibility of one 
at Pine Knob Road is real.  The nearest known breeding sites for ravens 
are at Sugarloaf in Frederick County and a new site in Pennsylvania about 
10-15 miles north of the state line.
	As for the calls, once or twice annually I hear American Crows 
giving a very raven-like croak.  Each time I try to locate the 
perpetrator to visually confirm my suspicion.  Though the call is very 
similar it can be differentiated after hearing it a few times and 
recognizing it for what it is.  I have observed American Crows giving 
this call in Allegany County as well as here.  However, I have never 
suspected Fish Crows of this call.  Consequently, I would be cautious 
about birds that were only heard.
	Keep reporting any interesting sounds.  Maybe we can sort it out 
in time.

				Bob

Bob Ringler
Eldersburg MD
ringler@cct.infi.net