THE RAVEN
Common Raven( Corvus corax)
Size- 56-69 cm ( 22-27 in)
Wingspan- 116-118 cm ( aprox 46 in)
Weight- 689-1625 g ( 24.32-57.36 ounces)
Ravens have long been recognized as one of the most intelligent birds. They also have a less than savory image throughout history as a scavenger that does not discriminate between humans and animals.
Ravens are both ingenious and versatile, members of the crow family, which includes jays and magpies. They are found everywhere in the northern hemisphere and adapt to various terrains, from deserts to mountains, a feat requiring a high level of intelligence.
They learn to find food even in the harshest conditions, such as in the dead of winter in the harshest of environments. As scavengers, ravens know how and when to take advantage of other animals to help them cadge a meal they couldn’t otherwise reach. In areas where extreme cold winters prevail, Ravens are known to wait patiently while prey animals such as wolves and or Coyotes ect rip open the tough, frozen hides of deer ect, making the meat more accessible to them. They also have been seen following wild wolf packs to a kill; some stories even have ravens flying ahead of the wolves to lead them to prey.
Note; Despite this Raven’s rough appearance, I couldn’t help but notice the iridescent feather shades of purples and blues!
THE RAVEN belongs to the following groups:
Birds and Creatures of Flight and The Birds Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters
BigD
Nice shot, Sandy
Sandy Stewart replied
Thank you muchly BigD!
JerryI
You know what rocks about this image is that people just think a Raven, and magpies as well are black. But the truth is they are green and red. This shows that really well.
This is a very young bird, see how short the feathers are, especially the tail.
Sandy Stewart replied
Thank you very much Jerryl! Thank you also for the information on identifying this bird as a young bird, via the shorter tail feathers. I would not have known otherwise. I remember while viewing the bird through my viewfinder, the amazing iridescent purple and blue shades and some hints of gold and as well the lighter detailing of the feathers in contrast to the darker shades. The lighting was perfect for capturing the subject’s feather details. I’ve always been fascinated by Ravens. Many thanks again!
Ann Palframan
Beautiful detail. Wow!
Sandy Stewart replied
Thank you so much Ann!
Yool
Nice one Sandy!!!
Sandy Stewart replied
Thank you very much Yool! By the way love your new profile pic!
Bonnie T. Barry
I’ve tried to photograph crows which look very similar, but that’s a daunting task! First off, they often appear to be jet black when the light isn’t right and then, they’re extremely wary, not giving a photographer much opportunity to get a decent shot. You managed to overcome both obstacles with great lighting and a very good close-up that showcase the true beauty of this bird. I’m so impressed with this, Sandy! Outstanding work!
Sandy Stewart replied
Thank you very much Bonnie! All black subjects seem to be somewhat of a challenge for sure. I try to adjust my exposure to compensate for the darkness of the subject, but also keeping in mind the background and foreground exposure, which like you mention can end up being a sometimes daunting task to have everything in acceptable exposure. Many thanks again Bonnie!
Blair Wainman
Beautiful capture, Sandy! Great work with color and detail! Well done!
Sandy Stewart replied
Thank you Blair!
Marvin Collins
This really is very good Sandy, not an easy subject to capture!!
Sandy Stewart replied
Thank you very much Marvin! Yes, those dark subjects certainly do pose challenge don’t they?
ToddDuvall
Such a beautiful bird and Capture, the detail and color of the feathers is amazing, great work!
Sandy Stewart replied
Thank you very much Todd!
Angie McKenzie
another stunner!! oh sandy you blow me away with the clarity you capture with your lens!
Sandy Stewart replied
Thank you very much Angie! I think the tripod has a lot to be thanked for some of the clarity too! I do use an L lens for my animal and bird ect shots as well, so a combination. lol :)
Ellen
Excellet, one of the better photo’s I have seen of this bird! I like the colors here too.
Sandy Stewart replied
Thank you so very much Ellen! :)
Tracy Faught
Gorgeous! Love the irredescent wings! spelled that wrong I know! lol! ;p
Tracy Faught
Iridescent ! There you go! Still a beauty of a bird and a beauty of a shot! :]
Sandy Stewart replied
No worries about miss spelling any words here! lol Thank you so very much for stopping by and your kind compliment Tracy! :))
Waleska Luker
realistic capture, very nice
Sandy Stewart replied
Thank you so much WaleskaL! :)
Louise Robinson
Great shot. He looks a little scruffy!
Sandy Stewart replied
Thank you very much Louise! Yes, I guess life in the wild can get rough at times! :)