RAVEN KISSES

“Whiter than new snow upon a raven’s back.” (Wm Shakespeare)  Against winter snow a big raven is hard to miss.  The long black feathers on their bodies and the shaggy short feathers on their heads and necks probably absorb light and heat in the cold, cold weather of the Rocky Mountains.

Bernd Heinrich’s book, The Mind of the Raven, says ravens mate for life.  According to Heinrich they chose their partners carefully, because the male raven must be a clever scavenger to provide for his mate and young.  Humans should be so wise.

Not only that, they raise successive young 

and are often quite affectionate with each other.

This couple was spending a morning looking for breakfast 

and trying to stay warm in temperatures well below freezing.

Finding a sunny spot on the roof they just decided to soak up the thin sunlight.

This progressed to grooming, caressing and mumbling.

The sunlight moved so they looked for a warmer spot
next to the vent on the top of the roof.

They settled down and fluffed up their feathers to keep their feet warm.

These two really care for each other.

Awwww…

Bird kisses.