Birders,
Last week while birding with wife Venetta in the old Hernwood landfill, I
saw a Common Raven flying North toward the gun club near Marriottsville and
Mays Chapel roads. It crossed Furman Road just inside the landfill gates.
I had hoped to return tomorrow morning, find the bird, and make a better
report of the sightings. Here is how the episode played out:
Sunday, March 12, 8:00 a.m.
I heard the harsh call of the raven from the South just before it flew into
sight above the road that ran East/West beyond the landfill gates. I
noticed immediately the proportionately longer extension of the head and
beak. Then I checked the tail and found that the tail feathers were much
longer in the center than on either end. With itıs tail half open the edge
made a strong ³C² shape. I attempted to mimic a raven call - it answered,
glanced my way but continued North. The raven called once again just after
I lost in the trees. Yes, it was a thrilling five seconds. Oh yeah, it was
black. : P
Keith Eric Costley
Randallstown, Baltimore County, MD |