The crow that quacks (1 Viewer)

[Cosworthlady]

I posted a thread about this a while ago because one of the local crows quacked like a duck. Well as ridiculous as this sounds I think, no I'm fairly sure, its a raven. It was back today and sat on the same lamppost as a lesser black backed gull and quite frankly it was bigger than it, quacked and when it flew of it had a splayed tail. It ended in a point and was quite wide. This "crow" is massive and when it flies with the crows its about double their size. My video cam ran out of charge this morning or I would have caught a clip of it. I would like other people opinions of it. I live in the north of Edinburgh and there are woods about a half a mile north as the crow flies. Can it be a raven? Or maybe its a very very big crow. Is it impossible for them to live so close to city life?

 

[Mahsleb]

Hi Ann

How exciting!
Ravens usually make a deep noise which is
often described as a Kronk
A good distinguishing feature is the
diamond shaped tail

This isn't the best of pics but it clearly
shows the tail shape

Hope this helps :t:

Ps I just re-read your post and see you mention
the pointed tail so it seems you've definitely
got a Raven in the area!

 

[BazR]

Hi Ann.
I would say from your description that it was a Raven. You lucky person you. I've heard its call described as a 'Kark'.

Baz.

 

[Cosworthlady]

Looking at that picture doesn't do the size justice but I'm sure it is a raven. Kark sounds like quack doesn't it LOL. It was such a different call from the normal crows. When it flies its wings are a lot slower too probably due to the size of them. I really am chuffed to bits. I'm very near the coast so are they attracted to that? Where do they nest/hang about?

 

[BazR]

Hi Ann.
They will nest in old ruins, (that's why I keep moving), on cliffs, on mountains and in quarries and such like places. Not forgetting of course, the Tower of London.

Baz.

 

[pie]

Ooh, interesting!
It's always nice to read opinions based on calls & behaviour, I think we learn a bit more when the camera lets us down! (well, I do) lol!
Please keep us updated Ann.

 

[Cosworthlady]

ITS BACK!!!! I thought I heard it yesterday and lo and behold today I seen it!! I still missed it with the camera but I had my (broken) bins on the kitchen window sill and I got a real good look at it. It has a funny shaped beak, is extremely glossy and is HUGE. I wonder where its been? It may have been here all the time and I've not noticed although the Quacking noise it makes would alert anybody. its like a crow with a right sore throat LOL.

 

[palval147]

Yes, Ann, deffinately a Raven. Big black bird just a bit smaller than a Buzzard. We get them flying over our house, but never landing.

 

[Cosworthlady]

Yes, Ann, deffinately a Raven. Big black bird just a bit smaller than a Buzzard. We get them flying over our house, but never landing.

It was on the lamp post about 100 metres away from my kitchen window. Caught a short glimpse of it today flying towards a school, roof about 400 metres away. It had 2 other crows along side it and i'm even more sure of what it is now. I see the crows rarely on the ground and I've never seen this on the ground but I'll continue to tempt it with tit bits. You never know. the camera is poised on the window LOL.

 

[palval147]

Good luck in getting a Raven photo, Ann.

 

[Peewit]

Great to hear that you have seen a Raven Ann - lucky you :-O

I listened to a Ravens call on the RSPB website, and it is bizarre compared with other Corvid calls. It sounds like they are calling with a mouth full of food.

I really hope that you manage to get a picture and a video of it. If it is possible. If you do, I would love to see what you have seen anyday. :t: