Really Has a Hold on Me

(Common Raven)

This portrait followed my “comic book cover.” It seemed like the right thing to do. Simple as that. Did you know that a group of Ravens is called an “unkindness.” Why? I have no idea but it seems very unjust to me. Now that I know, I shan’t be using that term ever again.

I encounter Ravens almost daily in our neighborhood. They peck at our roof, cackle at us from power lines and tree branches and yammer endlessly with one another. A few have shown me the kindness of seeming to remember me from time to time. One who sat high on wires strung along the beach was a regular on my morning walks. It would examine me closely, then call to me, happily—I hoped. I’d leave a dog biscuit on the wall below him. I never knew if he recovered it, but it would not be there the next day.

Researchers discovered recently that Corvids—the family that includes ravens and crows among others—gather together to share what they learn with close family members. A person who may be unpleasant or threatening to one may find that an entire group suddenly knows him and angrily warns others whenever he approaches.