Ravens

[nightshade]

Apart from the Tower of London do we have any sizeable populations of ravens?I was watching crows using the thermals over a rock face and imagined that the bigger corvids must look spectacular

[Tursiops]

I presume you mean wild ravens? They are fairly widespread in the north and west of GB, I believe, in upland areas and along rocky coastlines, but tend to be fairly solitary - i.e. found in pairs or small family parties, rarely in large assemblies - but I'm open to correction on this.
Tursiops

PS They are, as you say, spectacular!

[nightshade]

I was thinking more of a specific location if this is not the sort of info to give out for the birds security for instance I quite understand

[John]

Originally Posted by nightshade

I was thinking more of a specific location if this is not the sort of info to give out for the birds security for instance I quite understand

There are many places you can see Ravens but the best, and most spectacular place, is Gigrin Farm, Rhayder. This is the Red Kite feeding station. They are joined by large numbers of Ravens and Buzzards competing for the food thrown out for them. Click this link for all the information you will need.
http://www.gigrin.co.uk/

I wholeheartedly recommend this place to everyone. Get there for about 1pm as the feed usually starts at about 2pm in Winter. It costs £2.50 each and this money goes to replinishing the stocks of food as well as maintenance of the farm. There are hides to use or you can stand out in the open.

The only thing you need to take is yourself, some food, Oh!! and don't forget your camera's or camcorders for some memorable photos or action shots.

If you, or anyone else, does go let us know how you get on.

John

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by John

There are many places you can see Ravens but the best, and most spectacular place, is Gigrin Farm, Rhayder. This is the Red Kite feeding station. They are joined by large numbers of Ravens and Buzzards competing for the food thrown out for them. Click this link for all the information you will need.
http://www.gigrin.co.uk/

I wholeheartedly recommend this place to everyone. Get there for about 1pm as the feed usually starts at about 2pm in Winter. It costs £2.50 each and this money goes to replinishing the stocks of food as well as maintenance of the farm. There are hides to use or you can stand out in the open.

The only thing you need to take is yourself, some food, Oh!! and don't forget your camera's or camcorders for some memorable photos or action shots.

If you, or anyone else, does go let us know how you get on.

John

Thanks for the info John, I'll be going to that area in April, that's a site I'll definitely go to.

[pheonix]

i saw a few ravens throught the year down in devon and i know someone who see them alot in scotland

[nightshade]

Thank you john, I intend to go and see the kites some time soon
Unfortunately I slipped on the ice monday morning and today had it splinted till I can get it put in plaster on friday DOH!
I was told by my driver to casualty that this year there are a pair of red kites at Yatton,also a hobby nesting Is this likely?

[John]

Originally Posted by nightshade

Thank you john, I intend to go and see the kites some time soon
Unfortunately I slipped on the ice monday morning and today had it splinted till I can get it put in plaster on friday DOH!
I was told by my driver to casualty that this year there are a pair of red kites at Yatton,also a hobby nesting Is this likely?

Anything is possible regarding Kites and Hobby. I haven't heard they are nesting there but that doesn't mean they are not.

They are certainly spreading outwards and they could be from the Chiltern releases. If your driver thinks they are there then it is highly possible (obviously as long as he knows what a Red Kite looks like).

BTW sorry to hear of your injury. That's a good start to the New Year. Hopefully it won't be too long before your back on both feet and getting about.

If you did go to Gigrin whilst the splints were on you could see most of what happens from the car park but the hides are only about 200 yard away from the car.

Regarding South West Ravens. There are quite a few places were they are possible. This year I had them quite often over the Porthgwarra area (near Lands End) and Prawle Point (near Kingsbridge)