In Virginia we are fortunate to have among our feathered friends
a bird that is considered one of the most intelligent of birds:
the raven. When Edgar Allen Poe published "The Raven" he did
this bird a disservice, painting it in a dreary tale of loss and
loneliness. These birds have quite a lot to offer the birding
enthusiast. Ravens are about the size of a hawk and are covered
from head to tail with glossy black feathers. They have a deep
throaty call, sometimes referred to as a "rronk," but have been
known to make a variety of musical calls as well. Perhaps one of
the most impressive facts about the raven is its flight, as it
is often seen soaring and wheeling in the sky in an acrobatic
display. These displays are usually performed with a mate, but
can also be seen demonstrated by a single individual. Biologists
surmise they do this for fun. Wouldn't you? Ravens have been
found in many different habitats, including deserts, tundra and
sea coasts. In Virginia, you only have to go as far as the Blue
Ridge Mou