Ravens in Carroll Co
Steve Sanford (tanager@bcpl.net)
Sun, 01 Nov 1998 17:08:54 -0500
Today, 11/1/98 around 1 PM I saw 2 Common Ravens over the south side of
Morgan Run NEA (off Barthalow Rd by Rt 97). They displayed many
identifying traits. I first heard the low, coarse calls, which they
uttered frequently. (Actually, I originally heard them in the distance
from the north side of Morgan Run (off Jim Bowers Rd) about noon
feeling 90% sure they were Ravens by call.) Their tails were very
rounded, almost like disks. Their flight was mainly hawk-like soaring.
They were attacked once or twice by crows which were clearly much
smaller. Also, they looked respectable in size even next to Turkey
Vultures. They slowly worked their way from east to west over the course
of a half hour. The south side of Morgan Run is about 5 miles west of
Pine Knob Rd of crossbill fame, where some birders reported hearing a
probable Raven last winter. (I don't recall that it was seen ever.)
Like others, I also had my first Fox Sparrow of the season at the north
end of Morgan Run. Also had a Hermit Thrush at Pine Knob Rd, where the
pine cones look very empty.
--
Steve Sanford
Randallstown MD
tanager@bcpl.net