Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Ravens!

Four Common Grackles chase a Common Raven near Green-Wood Cemetery’s neo-gothic entrance. The Grackles nest in pines in this area. As soon as this Raven was escorted off-site, I turned around to see another of the huge corvids further in the cemetery. Then, I heard them. The Class of 2019 has six members! More pictures soon. You may have learned (in corvid school?) that a pinkish-red mouth indicates a young Raven. Mature birds have black mouths. But this is slightly less clear-cut then it sounds.

For these pictures, look to where the bill meets the cheek/malar: they’re still showing their awkward nestling gums!
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I found out about this publication recently: Natural History of NYC Parks and Gull Island, (Transactions of the Linnaean Society of NY vol 10, 2007). I’ve only had time to read the first piece on the geology of Inwood Hill, but I peeked ahead:

110 species of butterfly on record for Staten Island; with recent records (up to 2006) for 76 species; 36 species was the high single day count in 1991.

15 species of salamander historically found within NYC bounds. Six of those are still supposed to be around.

mthew

5 responses to “Ravens!”

  1. Sherry Felix

    I am the person who does the web site for LSNY and posted Natural History of NYC Parks and Gull Island, (Transactions of the Linnaean Society of NY vol 10, 2007). I haven’t read it all yet wither. Fascinating stuff. Thanks for sharing it.
    I am doing a study of Ravens for a little bird book study group. I would love to go see the ones in Greenwood Cemetery sometime soon.
    Great pictures.

    Reply
    1. mthew

      Thanks, Sherry! The Ravens could be anywhere from Bush Terminal to Green-Wood and the avenues in-between. The last time I was in Green-Wood was Sunday and heard one before seeing it on the lamps of the NYCTA rail yard south of the cemetery, then later three overhead by Sylvan Water. Usually hear them first.

      I’m looking forward to checking out some of the other Transactions, including the ones by M.M. Nice.

      Reply
      1. Sherry Felix

        Thanks for the tips.

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