I have had the privilege of relationship with many crows over the years and one very special friendship with a raven named “Llikdoor.” (Roadkill spelled backwards.) He still visits in my dreams occasionally and every-time I am renewed. As a wildlife rehabber crows come my way often. What a gift helping one on its way.
Wow Robert, what a special opportunity to have those relationships. Did you ever read any RJ Lawrence? I loved Secret Go the Wolves, of course not about birds, but relationship with other wild ones.
I just love what you said about shapeshifting when the law is applied… the dance between order and mystery. To me, it is one of the most comforting things to lean into the messages the animals and plants provide us with.
Thanks for pulling that out about shapeshifting - I love what you say about it being the dance between order and mystery. What a lovely way to look at it.
I’m glad we share a devotion for the communication coming from the wild. It is so comforting. Probably where I find the majority of my comfort.
Thank you for sharing these powerful encounters. I live outside of raven's normal range yet still on my travels have heard that wonderful KLOOK, a musical sound as opposed to the guttural ones, reminding me a bit of another corvid, blue jay, who also has calls both tuneful and grating. What a privilege to witness a barrel roll at eye level! I have seen an osprey do that while easily evading some dive-bombing crows. x
Oh yes! the klook is so musical. I appreciate the similarities in the vocal nuances amongst the corvids. They are truly amazing. As the years progress, my love for Jays grows…their colors, how they are the town criers of the forest, the way they swoop when they fly.
Oh ospreys, that’s a special bird for another day. I love that you’ve witnessed their majesty. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts Carmine, thank you.
This was a beautiful ode to a bird often misunderstood. Love the connection you’ve made and the sense it was always there. So intrigued. Thank you for this little respite into the unknown. ❤️
I admit that I have some envy when you mention Ravens; there is something mysterios about these corvids, even more so than crows, which are beautiful and funny birds.
There are three crows that show up at my front yard, but they show up infrequently. I feel a magical presence when they do and I do pay close attention to their caw caw caw. If a raven ever showed up, well, that would be pure magic.
Oh I do love crows dearly as well! I agree with you, they are beautiful and funny. There’s a whole bunch of them that live in the forest around my mom’s house where we’ve been visiting. Their energy is always appreciated.
Wonderful essay, Emma. So many powerful experiences with Ravens. Seeing that half-barrel roll is you mention is something else. I love watching Ravens do this roll. I think sometimes they do it for the pure joy that they can.
I especially like this quote "When Raven comes around I have learned to pay attention. To open my senses to the vision of meaning that is the present moment."
Oh I so agree - there is a lot of the “doing it for pure joy” when it comes to ravens! Watching them play with each other is one of my favorite things.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts. I forget that ravens are sometimes maligned… maybe we have older literature and movies like The Birds responsible for that. In-person though, it’s hard to not be awed by their energy, especially when they’re playing with each other on the edge of a storm 🙏🏼🪶
I have had the privilege of relationship with many crows over the years and one very special friendship with a raven named “Llikdoor.” (Roadkill spelled backwards.) He still visits in my dreams occasionally and every-time I am renewed. As a wildlife rehabber crows come my way often. What a gift helping one on its way.
Wow Robert, what a special opportunity to have those relationships. Did you ever read any RJ Lawrence? I loved Secret Go the Wolves, of course not about birds, but relationship with other wild ones.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
No I haven’t, But I will now. Thanks for telling me about it.
Ahh I meat RD Lawrence not RJ. Another one au love of his is Ghost Walker about his experience with mountain lions in British Colombia
I just love what you said about shapeshifting when the law is applied… the dance between order and mystery. To me, it is one of the most comforting things to lean into the messages the animals and plants provide us with.
Thanks for pulling that out about shapeshifting - I love what you say about it being the dance between order and mystery. What a lovely way to look at it.
I’m glad we share a devotion for the communication coming from the wild. It is so comforting. Probably where I find the majority of my comfort.
Thank you for sharing these powerful encounters. I live outside of raven's normal range yet still on my travels have heard that wonderful KLOOK, a musical sound as opposed to the guttural ones, reminding me a bit of another corvid, blue jay, who also has calls both tuneful and grating. What a privilege to witness a barrel roll at eye level! I have seen an osprey do that while easily evading some dive-bombing crows. x
Oh yes! the klook is so musical. I appreciate the similarities in the vocal nuances amongst the corvids. They are truly amazing. As the years progress, my love for Jays grows…their colors, how they are the town criers of the forest, the way they swoop when they fly.
Oh ospreys, that’s a special bird for another day. I love that you’ve witnessed their majesty. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts Carmine, thank you.
This was a beautiful ode to a bird often misunderstood. Love the connection you’ve made and the sense it was always there. So intrigued. Thank you for this little respite into the unknown. ❤️
I admit that I have some envy when you mention Ravens; there is something mysterios about these corvids, even more so than crows, which are beautiful and funny birds.
There are three crows that show up at my front yard, but they show up infrequently. I feel a magical presence when they do and I do pay close attention to their caw caw caw. If a raven ever showed up, well, that would be pure magic.
Oh I do love crows dearly as well! I agree with you, they are beautiful and funny. There’s a whole bunch of them that live in the forest around my mom’s house where we’ve been visiting. Their energy is always appreciated.
I’m excited for you to experience a raven!
Yes, one day, Emma, I hope.
Perhaps you will have to travel to them ☺️
Wonderful essay, Emma. So many powerful experiences with Ravens. Seeing that half-barrel roll is you mention is something else. I love watching Ravens do this roll. I think sometimes they do it for the pure joy that they can.
I especially like this quote "When Raven comes around I have learned to pay attention. To open my senses to the vision of meaning that is the present moment."
Thanks for sharing.
Oh I so agree - there is a lot of the “doing it for pure joy” when it comes to ravens! Watching them play with each other is one of my favorite things.
Thanks for reading and sharing Neil!
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts. I forget that ravens are sometimes maligned… maybe we have older literature and movies like The Birds responsible for that. In-person though, it’s hard to not be awed by their energy, especially when they’re playing with each other on the edge of a storm 🙏🏼🪶