40, -- handsome big black bird raven (Corvus corax, Corvidae – 20" long, beak to tail tip), standing in snowstorm -22° F Jasper, Canada, BC


PHOTO: 40, -- This beautiful big bird is a raven (Corvus corax, family Corvidae – close to 20" long, beak to tip of tail), from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. The photo is well liked and I have been fortunate to sell some large prints. This fellow (or gal) was standing in the snow at -22° F, in a strong wind, and was all puffed up to help insulate himself against the cold. Some people are confused by the feathers that are sticking up on his head. A raven's feathers are often like this, but a person is not usually close enough to see the detail. These ravens are the same as we have in many of the western states in the United States. They look much like a crow, but larger, heavier, and with a thicker head and bill. When the light/sun is on them just right, you can see that they are not just black, but that some feathers’ black has a purple and/or green sheen to them. In larger prints of this photo, that shows up very nicely. Ravens, wolves, and coyotes have some very interesting interrelationships, in that they are often found feeding around common food sources. In some areas, if I see a bunch of ravens I am always on the lookout for wolves that may be near them. Circling ravens lead wolves to animals that may have died of natural causes, and if a raven spots running wolves (or stationary ones) the ravens have a pretty good idea where they may be able to get their next meal -- when the wolves or coyotes finish eating.


Size: 4196px × 2797px
Location: Jasper National Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada, North America.
Photo credit: © Robert C Paulson Jr / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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