Subject: [Tweeters] Raven predation on a robin nest
Date: May 13 09:45:03 2005
From: Rob Sandelin - floriferous at msn.com


Yesterday I heard ravens calling around the property and I needed a break
so I went for a walk. In a Salmonberry thicket a couple of Robins were
sounding alarms, and as I approached a large bird went flying through the
brush. I thought it was a coopers hawk, but when I got into a better
position it was a Raven. The robins were diving and yelling their heads off
at the big black bird, who cocked his head to carefully examine the human
intruder. After about a minute I guess the Raven was satisfied that I was no
rescue force, and it swooped into the brush, and then emerged with a pink
baby robin in its beak. To my surprise, the Robins both went silent and flew
away. After the Raven had flown off with its prize I searched for the nest
and could not find it, even though I knew within a couple of feet of where
it must be. The Raven was clearly smarter than the monkey on this day.
Although the robins would not agree, I am hoping the Ravens are nesting
somewhere nearby.

Rob Sandelin
Naturalist, Writer, Teacher
Maltby, WA
Floriferous at msn.com

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