Last fall, a pair of ravens began making a daily appearance here at the ranch. Their brief visits became extended stays, and now they hang around so much, I may have to include them on our Christmas card. I'm not sure why Edgar and Virginia (it's a Poe thing) have chosen to live here, when they've got the entire desert southwest to choose from. Part of me thinks they might be the dearly departed, returning to a place or a person they once knew and loved. I'll keep thinking about that and let you know if I ever figure out who they might have been...or are. This is what happens when you live in New Mexico too long.
Their morning routine is very predictable. Edgar sits atop the electric pole, yakking back and forth to Virginia who is over in the corral.
Edgar leaves his perch to see what he's missing over at the barn.
And Virginia swoops in to join him.
The boys are used to having them around now, though Lyle will occasionally chase them just for sport.
I can count on seeing them every time I walk out of the house.
Maybe they feel safe here? Or maybe they just like hanging out with the fabulous burrito brothers? It's a mystery.
For more views of the sky and other heavenly mysteries, check out the links on the Skywatch home page.
Very appropriate name for a raven! Love it!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pics!
How interesting, your own ravens, I love the names you gave them. Great series of shots. Happy SWF!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed these photos
ReplyDeleteGreat job capturing the ravens. I love the last shot.
ReplyDeleteLove their names, very inventive. They probably just found a great place to live with lots of critters to amuse them and one crazy lady who loves all the animals. I'm sure they feel safe and happy in their new home.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful photos. I love all the great views you have there.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Grammy
Missouri. USA
Your mystery is a fun one! Terrific pictures!
ReplyDeleteGreat series of photos, I really enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Guy
Regina In Pictures
I have a dearly loved friend who wanted to come back as a crow. I always ask the ones that hang around my horse's stall "Kelly? is that you??". You just never know.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures as usual. I love ravens/crows, so what a nice treat!
Ugh, we've got heaps of those over here, come and take some home with you! I can't stand them...with their beady eyes, going *CARR! CARR! CARRR! CARRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!* All morning while you're trying to sleep, always watching!
ReplyDelete*cowers*
Question. How do you tell the difference between the two? =S
One of these days, I'll have to blog about 'crow wars,' which my husband and I made up to describe the cacophony of the innumerable crows (or ravens or whatever they are) what roost in our oak trees.
ReplyDeleteI loved the names you picked for them. Great pictures!
ReplyDeleteIs there a particular food they like? horse feed or something? Those New Mexico blue skies are so awesome.
ReplyDeleteWe have crows that march all over the pasture spreading the horse/donkey manure for us. :)
ReplyDeleteI had a number of years where I saw 3 crows everywhere I went. Now they seem to have all moved here, and they talk to us off and on all day long.
Love that last photo!
Gecko, the main difference is size - ravens are much larger (the size of a hawk) than crows (the size of a pigeon). And ravens have a much lower call - it's more of a gronk-gronk than a caw-caw. Also, ravens prefer wilder areas while crows prefer to live close to cities.
ReplyDelete"... Nothing further then he uttered - not a feather then he fluttered -
ReplyDeleteTill I scarcely more than muttered `Other friends have flown before -
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.'
Then the bird said, `Nevermore.' ..."
May I and all your 7MSN friends agree with Edgar's "The Raven" and nevermore leave the company of your blog. Your soulful raven couple, and photos, are enchanting!
What intersting shots with the ravens! Love them.
ReplyDeleteFirst bulls, then coyotes, now ravens....hmmm...I think word is out that you're a safe haven and have become an unofficial wildlife sanctuary out there. Congratulations. I don't think there is any better compliment than the trust of an animal.
ReplyDeleteJoanna, they don't seem to do much eating while they're here - the only food available to them is horse poop or hay, and they don't seem interested in either. I do see them walking around pecking at bugs.
ReplyDeleteI've wished and wished for a pair of crows to nest nearby. I've seen them about a mile away. They are so interesting and smart! I like your idea that they are long lost souls from the area.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised they don't hassle Deets, just for entertainments sake.
Our crows here are much bigger then pigeons, seem to stay in groups and are very 'wordy' at times. They love to fly and harrass the red-tailed hawks.
ReplyDeleteNeat shots that you got of them, especially like the evening shot with them against the sky.
Ah, your family is growing...
ReplyDeleteWell, welcome to 7MSN ranch, Edgar and Virginia - you are certain to be made to feel very welcome! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat shot. I specially liked the first one whith the bird :)
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend :)
I'm thinking "fabulous burrito brothers" should read "famous burrito brothers" :)
ReplyDeleteWe get pesky crows around here. I love the chronicle of the ravens. Just adds a little spice to the mix doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteWhy Virginia and not hos long lost love Lenore?
ReplyDeleteRavens are so darn cool. I just love them. Have you ever seen this PBS Nature series video?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/ravens/video-raven-intelligence/1549/
One story on the video was of a British woman who lived in the country and would drive with her pet raven either flying over the car or sitting in the back seat. And if he was in the back seat, when she had to stop and open the gate for the car, the raven would hop to the front of the car and turn off the ignition.
Personally I'd feel very honored to have them choose your home as theirs. Lovely photo of the two of them flying together. :-)
oh i just love ravens and all the mythology about them. i think they are good luck :-)
ReplyDelete