Birds, Photography, and the American West
The Black Ravens of the North
While common ravens live throughout the Northern Hemisphere, for me they are a symbol of the American West
“According to legend, England will not fall to a foreign invader while ravens occupy the Tower of London.”
The common raven (Corvus corax) lives throughout the Northern Hemisphere. But where I live, in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, I must travel 200 miles (322 km) north or 400 miles (644 km) west to see them. I have watched the birds in northern Minnesota, the American West, and in Great Britain.
According to legend, England will not fall to a foreign invader while ravens occupy the Tower of London. Long-lived birds, individual specimens have lived as long as 40 years within the castle’s walls.
The common raven, a passerine bird, is the most widespread of all corvids. Some other members of the family are crows, jays, and magpies.
