Gracie: George's Lady

     Today was a wonderful day at the farm because not only did George show up first thing this morning, but he brought Gracie with him too.  Gracie has been setting in her nest for the past couple of weeks.  Ravens will nest for about 18 to 21days. And its only the female that lays on the eggs, thus the reason why I know George is a male and not a female. She and George have been giving us about two clutches a year.  That we have noticed.  Last year they had only two babies with each clutch.  Let me tell you, they are some noisy babies!!!!
     George and Gracie have been together for as long as I know.  I have been working with them for the past 4 years and I have no idea how old they are or how long they have been a mated pair.  They do defend their territory with great ferocity.  George is such a wonderful mate.  I have even seen him shield Gracie from a bad snowstorm once.  George and Gracie are both very attentive with their fledglings.  I love watching the two of them with their children.  They are so attentive and are very patient with them.
George and Gracie are the only Ravens for about 20 miles in every direction.  They mostly stay near the farm though.  We have a great water supply and with their nest being near the interstate and the farm they are always guarenteed food.
     Gracie is not quite as big as George.  She also carries herself differently than George does.  Gracie lands tenderly and hops a great deal out of nervousness of her surroundings and George just plops himself right down.  He is heavier in the chest and Gracie is quite a lady.  Everytime I see Gracie she reminds me of a princess and George the commoner.  Also when they fly Gracie tends to tip her wing tips up more in an arch where George is more level.  Gracie also perches in the Willow tree which is oppisite of the feeding station, closer to the house.  She will perch on the birch tree, but does so at the very tippy top, where George will go to the lower branch.  There are three positions to the tree.  Gracie will start at the tippy top and make her way down as she sees there are no threats where as George will enter from the next to top perch to just landing on the roof.  He is clearly more comfortable with the farm surroundings that she is.
     Below is a photo of Gracie in the Willow tree that I was able to take today.  I was so happy to see her and I hope that I will be able to get photos of the babies this year as well.  I should be able to hear the fledglings in a week or so.  Its amazing to hear them first thing in the morning.  George has also started bringing more food to the nest instead of stashing it like he normally does.  So, we wait with baded breathe!

Thanks for stopping by George: The Old Silo Raven!!!  George and I appreciate it!

Gracie in the Willow tree just before she jumped on the roof for her breakfast.

This is Gracie realizing I'm in the house.  George and Gracie and can see me in the window.  I can get some of the best curious looks from George when he is trying to see me in the window.