Ravenspeak

Before the current cold snap set in, we had a brief spell of new snowfall.  In a winter when the snowmakers have been this stingy, it is a welcome sight.  I was on my way to fire up the sauna, and snapped this photo:

The wind had not started up yet, and so it was a peaceful scene.

     This morning, with the thermometer hanging out at negative thirteen, I noticed that the bird feeders were empty and the birds were hungry.  I got up to slip on my boots, and glancing outside, I saw two wolves crossing the lake.  When I went out to replenish the seeds, the ravens were in a big conversation.  We still have our resident pair, but I could hear many more voices.  It could only mean that there was a fresh kill somewhere nearby.

     After warming up a bit, I got ready to go and investigate.  At that moment, through the window, I saw a smaller wolf, trotting along nearer to shore.  I figured that he was running to catch up to the meal, before the ravens scavenged whatever was left.

     It's tricky to sneak around in the winter when it is this cold outside.  Beneath my feet, the snow squeaked like styrofoam.  I did my best to creep down to the landing for a peek.  There, off of the point, was the one wolf that I had just seen.  It was gnawing on a leg, and the ravens were nearby keeping watch.  A few more birds were picking at a spot that must have been where the ill-fated deer had first fallen.  Not much left of that animal.  I'm sure the birds were only finding morsels.

This is definitely one of those photos that we all have in our collections:  "See that dark spot there? That's a (wolf)!"

     This silent drama plays out every winter, all over our woods and lake.  I can't begin to recall how many times I've seen the remnants of a nighttime chase.  Once in a while, we are lucky enough to see several wolves participating in the meal.  It always gives me one of those National Geographic moments, amazed that I get to witness a part of it.  But here's a piece of the puzzle that still leaves me wanting to know more.

How do the ravens find out?  Our pair of the birds have displayed behavior that confirms their highly territorial nature.  But when it comes to a big feed like this, they are more than willing to share.  Greg was reading about ravens last year, and this was something noted by the author.  That is good, as it insures continuation of the species.  I understand that they must put out a certain call that alerts the ravens in neighboring areas that it is time to eat.  I just wish I could better translate it all.