WHAT’S YOUR “SPARK” BIRD??
Answers by Avid BHAS Birders!
This is a continuation of a series of articles on which birds “sparked” us to become birders. Why are you interested in birds? This question was posed to the monthly “Birds & Brew” flock and below is one of their answers.
Daniel Thompson, an ardent member of Birds & Brew, says: “My spark bird is the Common Raven. I first saw one on a hike at Twin Falls State Park near North Bend back in 1992—the first year we lived in WA. I heard its lovely “kraa” sound and was immediately intrigued. Then I saw it with its wedge-shaped tail and awesome beak and gorgeous eyes and was immediately hooked! Since then, I’ve read three or four books about ravens and other corvids, and my fascination has only grown.”
Fun Facts: Common Ravens can mimic the calls of other bird species. When raised in captivity, they can even imitate human words; one Common Raven raised from birth was taught to mimic the word “Nevermore.” The oldest known wild Common Raven was at least 22 years, 7 months old. It was banded and found again in Nova Scotia.
Listen to audio of a Common Raven here: https://xeno-canto.org/729501
Check out YouTube Videos and Cornell University for more information, such as this video which demonstrates the raven’s incredible ability to deceive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sng1oV_uDzM&ab_channel=BBCEarth
Share your own “SPARK” bird with us. Email Stephaniemrrs2@nullgmail.com You may well inspire others!
By Stevie Morris
Photo credit: Common Raven, by Mick Thompson