#CabinInTheWoods

#CabinInTheWoods

...so just going up for the weekend.

#TalkingCodes

Ravens have improved a personal way to communicate between them, which is by codes. And many times to avoid any conflicts with other birds, especially to keep their food locations secret, they will use these codes.

So yesterday at dawn while filling the feeding stations, I had the privilege to directly view one of them communicating with family members from the nest located in the far West mountain of the valley. I have heard these communication skills before but never saw one directly. The conversation was way longer and more elaborated but they where nearly at the end when I started filming.

It is said that Ravens are able to make over a 100 sophisticated vocal sounds to communicate between them and during their lives, they will learn to reproduce practically any sound they have heard. Like 2 years ago I've heard barking, and though it was coming from a lost dog deep into the woods, but quickly realized that the bark was coming from the above; a hoovering Raven was nagging my dogs only for some entertainment. These guys love to play tricks with other animals in their spare times.

Scientists affirm that their intelligence is comparable to Monkeys. Which I firmly believe. I've been raised surrounded by dogs and daily I talk to them. And when I'm with Ravens I talk to them the same way, and believe me, they understand everything I say.

So it is that time/period once again.

#RavenScent

You know Ravens have a distinguished particular odor like dogs have, which everyone enjoy so much; so…

During the nesting period, Diane has to leave us for about 5 weeks and Jack, her life partner, has to provide her with all the food that she needs while incubating the eggs.

I love them both but Diane is the first one I’ve meet and the bond between us is strong. During that period I really miss her.

So what I do is just open this big jar, which is full of their body feathers, which I’ve picked up from time to time, and take a big smell out of it.

And if you have no idea what the smell of a Raven is? Well it’s like an amazing “méchoui” roasted outside over a wood fire; or like some kind of aromatic incense fragrance smoked like “Nuit d'Opium”.

#CanadianGeese

They’re back.

#NoMansLand

#MatingSeason

So it is that time of the year once again when Canadian Geese arrive down the hill, just in front of our house, for these kind of ceremonies.

Mature Geese already have their life partner but young ones are in the pursuit of finding the right mate for their long term relationship. And not just for a "one-night stand" like many other species.