Post by Selden on Sept 11, 2006 19:16:41 GMT -5
Tonight when I went into the barn I saw a shape perched on the edge of the muck bucket. I knew that profile. "Hello, what's a raven doing in my barn?" I said aloud. The raven looked tired and worn out. He hopped off the edge of the muck bucket and into the hay stall (one of the hens clucked in alarm). I have loved ravens for years. Twenty-two years ago there were only two breeding pairs in the entire six-million-acre Adirondack Park... both in our "backyard." Now they are relatively common. Still, having a large wild bird sitting in the barn was a bit different.
I am a fool for animals. IE, not always sensible. (Did I report the time I jumped out of my truck and rescued a 6-week coyote pup running in traffic?) I know that any wild animal could be carrying any disease, etc., etc. But I felt "sure" that the problem now with the raven was, in fact, worms -- very common in crows and ravens, due to their feeding on carrion. So, thinking to myself, "poor fellow, must be hungry"... I automatically threw him an egg. He immediately cracked it and ate it neatly -- his giant beak, the size of half a banana, slurping it easily out of the hay. He thought about leaving the barn but then my bull calf Hughie ran in and tried to butt him, and he took refuge on Hughie's manger. I have no idea if he'll still be there in the morning. I imagine my rooster, Russell Crow, may try to run him off. With that beak the raven would win any contest but he looks too exhausted to stand up to much.
Of course, only now do I think... you dodo! You've taught one of the smartest birds around that he has only to come into the barn and he'll dine on fresh eggs!
But I couldn't help it. Does anyone remember the Disney movie The Three Lives of Thomasina? It was a favorite of mine when I was a child of five. I only saw it once, as was common in those old days, but I have always remembered the lady who lived in the cottage in the woods and took care of all the wild creatures... it seemed to me to be a nice life! ;D
I am a fool for animals. IE, not always sensible. (Did I report the time I jumped out of my truck and rescued a 6-week coyote pup running in traffic?) I know that any wild animal could be carrying any disease, etc., etc. But I felt "sure" that the problem now with the raven was, in fact, worms -- very common in crows and ravens, due to their feeding on carrion. So, thinking to myself, "poor fellow, must be hungry"... I automatically threw him an egg. He immediately cracked it and ate it neatly -- his giant beak, the size of half a banana, slurping it easily out of the hay. He thought about leaving the barn but then my bull calf Hughie ran in and tried to butt him, and he took refuge on Hughie's manger. I have no idea if he'll still be there in the morning. I imagine my rooster, Russell Crow, may try to run him off. With that beak the raven would win any contest but he looks too exhausted to stand up to much.
Of course, only now do I think... you dodo! You've taught one of the smartest birds around that he has only to come into the barn and he'll dine on fresh eggs!
But I couldn't help it. Does anyone remember the Disney movie The Three Lives of Thomasina? It was a favorite of mine when I was a child of five. I only saw it once, as was common in those old days, but I have always remembered the lady who lived in the cottage in the woods and took care of all the wild creatures... it seemed to me to be a nice life! ;D