The Raven

One of the most common birds in the area, the raven, has been maligned throughout the ages. Often used as a symbol of evil and death, it has gained an unenviable reputation as a less than desirable creature. In actual fact the raven, like all the other area residents, fulfills an important role in the mountain ecosystem.

Surprisingly common, its rasping call can be easily recognized as it travels over the mountain airwaves. A deep, raspy kwawk, it's been cursed for waking up more than one local several hours before the alarm went off. Like the magpie, its voice easily travels through the window and into the heads of people trying to sleep. It's often noticed along the highways as it scavenges on the always prevalent road kills. Ravens are not very picky about what they eat. Their diet primarily includes carrion, but they will gladly eat garbage, eggs, small animals or anything else they can sink their beak into. They are quick to discover fresh wolf or cougar kills, and will hang around until the bones are picked clean. The role of  scavenger is important ot ensure  that no food goes uneaten, and assists in the recycling of material from one generation to another.

Ravens seem to have a well developed social structure although little is known of its inner workings. They spend the day sitting on lamp posts and  tall trees scouring the horizon for signs of food. At the first sign of munchies, they converge in increasing numbers as if some silent alarm had been sounded. They are agile fliers, performing barrel roles and dives while soaring on the many mountain updrafts. At night they disappear to communal roosting spots.