Birds do it

    

The Call          

"He's got that look in his eye."

"What's up?"

Exploration

I was relaxing on a piece of driftwood, with five of the Grog Six picking around in the cliff above me and their parents taking a break next to me. After some mutual admiration, A.C. Grog let off a loud, deep call, a warning or admonition, I thought, to a recalcitrant young one, perhaps the one on the sands with us. I had noticed no raven infraction. We all came to attention, Sunshine particularly. She then proceeded to jump upon Grog's back, making love motions.

I was more than surprised, wondering if I had misidentified their sexes all along. After a minute, he slightly pushed her off and then hopped atop her, proceeding with what I can only assume was the real thing. The young Grog on the sand looked agog, much like myself. Was this a lesson for him or just a pleasurable extension of the parent's break?

The raven young do learn by example, not only in their flying but in their examination of the world around them. The parents show them the value in picking up rocks, sticks, shells, leaves as sometimes there are uncovered creatures to eat. A young raven's curiosity is boundless and only with age and experience, more fearful.

Although the young's flying has improved, their landings could still use some finesse. Both the Grog and El Moro parents have shown understandable irritation at being landed upon or crashed into. Kek-kek calls of agitation, head feathers raised in annoyance, followed by putting distance between themselves and their young seems to be on the rise. As the young's mobility increases, they press their presence upon their parents by following them and calling to them, begging them for food. Consequently, the parents seem to be slightly oppressed.

On the other hand, the young Moro is still being spoiled like an only child with his mother grooming and preening him, not to mention frequent beak kisses. The Moor looks proudly on, ready "to die upon a kiss."

Photos through the kindness of Diana @theravendiaries.com