Ravens

Do you ever have the sense that you are being watched?

I noticed these two in my peripheral vision. Staring through my study window. Make no mistake ... at about half a metre beak to tail, they are big. And curious.

Some people might (understandably) be a little wary of them. I think they are wonderful. They have glossy midnight feathers and jewel-like aquamarine eyes.

This year they have a baby. A big, fluffy clown who doesn't know any better. It sits on my front porch and plays with the bobbing red faces of my potted gerbera. Lacking any sense of self-preservation, it runs towards you instead of away. I've grown fond of its shouty, gravelly call.

I hope this friendly raven family stay for a while.