March 12th

This morning was cold again - more because of the icy wind from the North West than because of the temperature. It also was damp, with the sunrise hidden behind patches of thick grey clouds.

The robins and blackbirds had been singing for an hour before dawn, with the great tits chiming in at sunrise.

There were no raven calls at that time.

I left the house at 6.45 a.m., and heard raven calls coming from behind my back. Then I saw two ravens fly high overhead, overtaking me and flying towards Pontcanna Fields.

No ravens called while I walked up the big field to the top and the enclosure there.

The black-headed seagulls were on the ground in a big flock - but they seemed to be dozing and didn't fly up until Otty came bouncing up and chasing them. He's a chocolate Labradoodle, young and exuberant, and the seagulls flew off when he came along, circling overhead and then flying to settle in the quarry field.

Not one raven appeared when I stood at the enclosure, nor did they come when I threw some scraps into it.

Looking around repeatedly, I finally saw one raven sit in the top of one of the trees in the spinney. I assumed this was one of my bold ravens - and while I didn't see his companion, I was hoping they'd turn up if I kept waiting. 

The raven in the treetop then quorked quietly, once, and I saw him assume the begging position while still sitting in that tree.

Then, his companion flew to the ground - I have no idea where he was hiding!

At the same time, Bas had put in his appearance, and Cally as well - so I assume the ravens were so diffident because they saw the dogs, and knew what they'd do!

Sure enough, Bas, on his way to the spinney, made a little rush at the raven on the ground, who hopped to the side but did not fly off. He was a good thirty feet away - but that behaviour indicated to me that this was my bold raven. After he'd picked up a scrap, he flew off - all those dogs were too disconcerting.

Since no other raven appeared, Karen and I walked back down the big field, back home.

Tomorrow is the start to another weekend. There will be fewer dogs tomorrow and Sunday, I hope, and the ravens will get a chance to feed undisturbed.