Colorado Photography of the American West

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02 August 2012

Raven

Raven close up
Ravens have had a place in many different legends from numerous cultures. In the Norse legend the god Odin had a pair of ravens who were his messengers. In the Middle Ages they were harbingers of death and associated with wicked priests. In Native American lore ravens represent the fool and the wise one; darkness and light; death and creation. 

Ravens remind me of playful intelligence. I love to watch them. They will look into your eyes thoughtfully, follow you on a walk, and croak their encouragements in many guttural sounds. If you listen long enough I believe you start to understand the difference between greetings and curses. Yes, I definitely believe that they have emotions too. 

 I have watched them many times. They can dive and soar in free abandonment or fight and claw an enemy. I have also learned that they can be accomplices with hunters. They have been known to perch above prey cawing loudly and drawing the attention of a lion or wolf to kill a deer knowing that they will have the left overs. This is one resourceful bird. So the next time you see a raven or crow give them a little nod of respect or the trickster may just play a prank on you. 


Raven close up

Raven 
On a recent trip to the American southwest this raven seemed to take an interest in me and my camera. He posed for many shots but I liked this one the best. 


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6 comments:

  1. He's a beauty, Julie! I love the legends and lore on birds and animals. They have a lot to teach us.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Karen! Glad you enjoyed the lore on ravens. They are one of my very favorite birds.

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  2. I remember some ravens in Northern Ontario. This is when I was in elementary school. One had become quite tame. If you gave it something shiny, it would take the gift and stash it on top of a light pole. Funny.

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    1. Rob-bear I have heard stories of tame ravens. Your childhood buddy sounds like he was pretty special!

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  3. So beautiful! Love the texture of the wings!

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Contemporary photography of the cities, landscapes, flora and fauna of the American West.
Julie Magers Soulen Photography