Ravens.

[LynM]

On another site, it has been reported that a flock of around 100 ravens has been seen in one particular location in Dorset. As my OH and I know this area well, we are very sceptical about this count. Are we right to be? Yes, there are ravens in the area, we see and hear them frequently, but a flock of 100 seems extreme.

[Naturenutz]

I do not know lyn ,but they are on the increase in numbers .I saw one today.

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by LynM

As my OH and I know this area well, we are very sceptical about this count. Are we right to be? Yes, there are ravens in the area, we see and hear them frequently, but a flock of 100 seems extreme.

Perhaps your scepticism is well founded, perhaps not...

It is certainly not unusual for inexperienced observers to mistake Carrion Crows or Rooks for Ravens, and both of these species are more likely to be seen in such numbers than Ravens (especially Rooks).

On the other hand, all corvids will gather in quite large communal winter roosts, and if this was a roost gathering then it was quite a small one by some standards (Raven roosts can be up to a couple of thousand strong). The birds disperse during the day to feed in small groups - and apparently share information about good food sources with their neighbours in the roost.
One of the largest in the UK is on Anglesey - see this article.

[Gill Catton]

I did once come across a flock of displaying ravens numbering about 30-40 birds (though that was in early March as I recal)so its perhaps not impossible.

[LynM]

Thanks for the replies and the link to the Anglesey site, Roy. That was most interesting.

My OH is going to see a couple of people who work on the estate, where they were supposedly seen, tomorrow and see what their reaction is. We both think that it is more likely to be Rooks.

[PMG]

I was going to mention the Anglesey Raven roost but Roy beat me to it! I've had in mind for a couple of years to end a day on Anglesey watching this roost but not done it yet.

I see no reason at all why there shouldn't be other large even huge - 100's of ravens - roosting together at other places around the country. But it all raises many more qustions than answers: who - which birds decided where the roost was going to be - who told the birds - they must communicate info while feeding or meeting during the course of a normal 'bird day' ....... 'Ere mate where you billing tonight - Anglesey - is it ok - yeah good spot all me mates go there' ........ (sorry couldn't resist!) Obviously this knowledge of roosts is passed on from bird to bird and year to year - so young birds learn about it too. Fascinating stuff ......... I really must go stay into darkness next time I go to Anglesey and wind up there for a look - the noise as they chat and cackle must be amazing

[rogpow]

Originally Posted by PMG

I was going to mention the Anglesey Raven roost but Roy beat me to it! I've had in mind for a couple of years to end a day on Anglesey watching this roost but not done it yet.
I see no reason at all why there shouldn't be other large even huge - 100's of ravens - roosting together at other places around the country.

I've heard of one roost in S.Wales of about 350 birds, one in S.Devon of 60 birds and one in Shropshire of 60 birds, and I'm sure there must be others given the increase in numbers of the birds around the country. There's at least six nest sites in my neck of the woods.

Wonderful birds, one of my favourites along with the also increasing buzzard.

[LynM]

I shall report back when I have more news. Thanks again for the interest.

[Naturenutz]

It seems a little strange to me that we have 2 resident ravens that have bred on a large structure where i work for the last 3 years,they show no signs of moving or flocking in winter,they have been seen regularly as individuals and flying together thoughout the winter so far, near the nest site,and last year were seen carrying large sticks for nesting in mid february.Its not the fact they can nest so early,i knew that they do this,its the fact that they show no signs of leaving the area and joining a larger flock.I presume the large flocks on Anglesey etc must come from miles away to merge together,surely they would have have large nesting territories and a meeting of hundreds of birds would mean a migration of sorts to winter hotspots ? Unless they nest communually,which i have not heard off ?

[rogpow]

The large winter roosts are made up of young birds (up to 3 year olds) that haven't yet paired up and bred.
Breeding pairs (like yours) stay at or near the nest site all year defending their territory and don't join the large roosts.
Its thought that the youngsters at the winter roosts use this period to start looking for mates and pairing up (ravens pair for life) as well as sharing information about feeding sites.