Raven!

Just a tad excited,  I live in North Northamptonshire and Ravens are making a comback.  When I was little there were loads of Ravens, Crows and Rooks around.  Not seen a raven for a long time then a couple of weeks ago I saw one out in the countryside, now there is at least one hanging around where I live, it was on my garden wall a couple of days ago but I didn't manage to get a photo, spotted it tonight on a neighbours TV ariel.  A pigeon decided to get in on the photos so you can see the size difference, and that this is definatley not a crow.

I had spoken to Chris Andrews after my first sighting and he says that it's a natural reintroduction and there are a couple of breeding pairs in the area.

thats great news be nice to see a close up

To be honest, I can't see much difference in the size between the two.

Ravens aren't inclined to sit on roof tops or aerials either.

I don't disbelieve that there are some in your area, but I'm really not convinced that it's one of them in your picture.

:-)

Ravens are as big or even slightly bigger than Buzzards. As Jackdaw says, this bird doesn't look significantly bigger than the Wood Pigeon even allowing for the distance.

I've seen a pair of ravens on a roof of a remote house in Scotland, but I agree with those saying it's a carrion crow. Rob

Definitely a Crow. A Raven would be much bigger.

Yes certainly looks like a crow from the size!

Here's a raven looking over a buzzard's shoulder at Gigrin Farm. The raven is a smidgen bigger than the buzzard!

This thread of Aiki's also shows the huge difference between a raven and a crow!

also thought this but didn't like being the first to say. The tail shape also gives it away

 Ray

Hi C, a warm welcome to the community from me in Staffordshire.

I have ravens visit my garden, they eat off the bird tables.

Hi Birdie,

Those birds in your video also look like crows.

Rob

Love the 'sound effects' in the background....and as for those crazy squirrels!! Great video - thanks for sharing.

Sorry BirdieWild, but I also agree with Robbo about your birds. They are almost certainly carrion crows.

:-)

Hi Robbo and Jackdaw, nope, sorry, you're both wrong. they are without fail, Ravens. I've been seeing them along time and they have the all the correct criteria, they are very large, hairy under the chins and 100% have the spade shaped tail, it's as clear as a bell when they fly.There are 4 of them in the vicinity, but I have not seen more than three in my garden and 98% of the time, it's just the two. They argue blind with the crows when there's any carrion about lol ! x

@ Dave thanks, I'm so glad you enjoyed it :-)

Anyone else?

:-)

I will jump in with both feet.  Carrion Crows are variable in size and my feeling is these are crows but perhaps thats why I haven't got many raven on my bird list.