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Subject:

Probable Raven AA County

From:

Joanne Howl

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Wed, 16 May 2012 14:36:21 -0400

 I went to SERC (Smithsonian) today to look for the Connecticut Warbler (no luck on that).  

But I did see an interesting bird, and if anyone wants to chime in on Raven vs. Crow, I'd love to hear what you think (off list, please). 

On the way into SERC, on Contee's Wharf Road very close to the entrance I saw a VERY large crow-like bird on the side of the road ahead.  I was able to pull over and get a very brief but clear look through binoculars. The bird was big, heavy and had a large bill with what looked like feathering extending partway down the upper bill.  I'm not certain the bill was truly as heavy as I would expect on a Raven, but it did look a lot bigger than a crow.  When the bird flew, I had a brief but clear look at the tail, and it was wedge-shaped - certainly NOT flat.  

The bird did not call when it flew.  Shortly I heard a "husky" crow sound - not typical for the crows I've heard.  But I did not hear a typical Raven, either (typical based on the bird sound bytes I've heard - Ravens are a nemesis bird for me.  Not a life bird - but I have not seen them close up nor heard them in real life).   

On the way out of SERC, a few hours later, I caught a glimpse of  a very big dark bird fly across the road close to the Java Plantation shed.  It was dark, and I am pretty sure it was hawk size, not crow size.  Big dark bird.  I figured it was likely a hawk and wasn't going to stop, but then a truck came crowding the road and I pulled over at the shed anyway.  I saw the dark bird in the trees - and heard a bunch of crows start alarming, and one "crow" with a husky voice.  

It looked like the really big black bird was near the top of a tree, flapping and trying to defend itself from a smaller black bird  - and the smaller bird was undoubtedly a crow, because it was screaming like one.  The bigger bird had it's mouth open as it faced towards me.  I couldn't see the body well at all through the trees, but I saw the eyes and the open bill.  The inside of the bill was light-colored (yellowish).  

I was trying to get a picture of it when another truck came by and flushed the whole show away. 

I really think this was a Raven, but they are uncommon here.  And I am not completely satisfied that I have an accurate lock on the size... those darn crows can look huge or tiny to me...  

But then again, there was that wedge shaped tail and the crows were apparently picking on a larger black bird ... 

BUT - I did NOT hear anything that sounded like the basic call of the Raven, based on the recordings I've heard.  And that bothers me.  

I would LOVE for this bird to be confirmed!   I guess that's the only thing that will totally clear up any linger doubts! 

Other highlights include Scarlet Tanager, Summer Tanager, Northern Waterthrush, Black and White Warblers, and the always-appreciated Pileated Woodpecker.  

Cumberstone Road held a singing Kentucky Warbler as well - just east of the Peach farm. 


Joanne

Joanne Howl, DVM

West River, MD


 

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