Ravens are returning to Connecticut: Yes, ravens are returning to Connecticut. How long have they been gone? A long ass time, my friend – perhaps over a 100 years. Most likely our colonial forefathers did a number on them just as they had done with the wolf and the mountain lion. They were all viewed as either dangerous or pests.
It was ten, twelve years ago, when I first became aware that ravens were returning. It happened one morning the Farmington River, in New Hartford, Connecticut. Out of the forest came that unmistakable voice. Instantly I knew what it was. In most minds, the mighty moose and the black bear are emblematic of the Great North Woods. If you have spent any time up there,however, you ‘d want to add the smell of balsam and the call of the raven. At least I would. So to hear a raven in Connecticut was very cool and totally unexpected. I tipped my hat toward the trees. Welcomed back Corvus corax. It good to have you in town.
After that, on occasion I would see one during the winter months in Wethersfield. Not many mind you, but here and there. Crows love to flock together; ravens prefer, however, to work solo or in pairs. Then a few days ago, I was reminded again. While fishing, I heard another raven speak. Yes, no question they are returning to Connecticut.
Visually separating them from crows is not always easy task. They are both similar in appearance, especially from a distance. Yet, there other ways to separate them. The common crow’s call is rather simple. The classic caw,caw,caw. Ravens, on the other hand, have a distinctive voice, delivering a mix of gurgles, croaks, and grunts, as well as high pitched alarms that carry for miles. On the wing the raven stand out too. Crows fly like an old man rowing, in a slow steady, straight ahead pace. Ravens are powerful aloft, true acrobats, soaring, diving, and even barrel-rolling. They are a hoot to watch. Lets hope they’re here to stay.
Last year I viewed 2 ravens, 1 on New Milford, Ct. green, the other on the building roof. This year I viewed 1 strolling down our driveway, like it was tired and hungry after a flight. I spoke to it with a clunk sound as it strolled around our back yard. It remained at 20′ to 30′ away from me. It wouldn’t go out on to a very busy street, so it went next door. It couldn’t find an opening in a fence, until it found one. It got scared off by a neighbor mowing, until it was safe to go next door. A very beautiful oil black feathered bird!
Anita,.
Yes, they are mysterious and beautiful birds. Glad you were able to interact with one. Hopefully they will become more plentiful in Connecticut. Got my fingers crossed!
Ed
Yo Ed . I have one of your older books on saltwater, hardcover I forget the exact title but it’s the one where you’re holding a 50 lb. striper and you look like you’re about to die of exhaustion. I read that book about 12 times, changed my life . I was a Watch Hill night zombie for a few years (can you still park at the Inn at night? Shhh!) . I’m in New Britain now, and we have ravens on my roof, well, sometimes , a flock of maybe 6 passes through May/June. They are a hoot. There’s also one that seems to live permanently down the road at the old Stanley/Black and Decker factory. Past two years I got to know the TMA on the Farmy a little better. Bit of a weird river (I’m used to the Catskills) but I like it now. Those “survivor” browns fight real good. I haven’t seen any ravens up there yet, but that is cool as hell. Splains why they’d hang around New Britain’s ghetto with the reservoir nearby also.
Morning,
Not sure about the parking in Watch Hill. Things are changing down there. There is even an attempt to shut down Nappy to anglers. Sad.
Yeah ravens are more common ever year. There are a few on the Farmington, and a lot more black bears. Many anglers are carrying bear spray in low light. Another bird that is making an appearance here in Connecticut is the Black Vulture. Turkey vultures moved in to CT in the 1960’s. But the Black Vulture is fairly new.