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Subject:

Common Raven in Charles Co.

From:

Gwen Brewer

Reply-To:

Maryland Birds & Birding

Date:

Fri, 18 Mar 2005 13:10:28 +0000

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