Well, how's this for a start to your day.... At 7 am, I heard a low croaking coming from the back yard in Waldorf. My days in Allegany County tuned my ears to that sound, and I sprinted downstairs as fast as I could. Sure enough, there was a Common Raven sitting on top of our shed! I could see the long throat feathers extend out as the raven called a few more times, and two head tufts sticking up slightly. The massive bill is always impressive on these birds. I ran back upstairs for a camera, but alas, the resident photographer (George Jett) had the digital cameras (and is stuck at the Bay Bridge on his way to a Baltimore Bird Club trip to Poplar Island). Rather than take the time to load one of the "oldies" up with film, I went back down for another look at the bird, but it was already on the move. I just caught a glimpse of it as it flew off to the north, but unfortunately did not get a clear shot at the tail shape. I had hoped it would stay around and sample the pork neck bones that we put out for the Red-shouldered Hawks, but maybe we will be lucky and it will come back for a meal- when the cameras are at the ready!
Gwen Brewer
Waldorf, MD |