June 8th

We had 'real' rain from last evening and all through the night, with some drizzle left over when we went out at 6.40 a.m. 

At least it wasn't cold!

We went to the ravens field, along the quarry side. At the crossing of the footpaths the companion of the bold raven picked us up. She got a few scraps, and flew off when we crossed into the small arboretum. Well, Bart was bouncing up to us, so no wonder!

In the ravens field there were no birds at all: no seagulls, no jackdaws, magpies, and of course no ravens.

One put in an appearance when we got to the side with the wall, it was one of the young pair, skittish as ever. She did eventually grab the couple of scraps I'd thrown for her.

We went through our exercises and went home, the 'more food' way, but no other ravens came.

Later in the afternoon, it had become hot and muggy - still some clouds, but also lots of sun. We went to Pontcanna Fields, and although there were no people, and the grass cutting had moved right to the bottom of this huge expanse, there were no ravens, nor even crows, on the ground.

However, we could hear them call, from the highest sycamore in the hedge at the fence to the horse paddocks. They called when we got to within 100 yards, then stopped when we turned away, and started again when we turned back towards them. 

Also, on our way back home, there were raven calls coming from the tallest lime tree next to the cycle path. That is a good 50 yards down from the tree with the ravens nest.

Either their fledglings are out now, in the horse paddock, and are being warned - or they will be soon, and are still in the nest, where they are vulnerable. 

They, and all ravens in the vicinity, are perhaps being warned of approaching danger. That is what I think - as there were no other people about, I cannot be certain. 

In any case, this is what I hope the calls mean. It would be really sad if some predators (squirrels, magpies) had destroyed the clutch of raven eggs. 

We'll have to wait and see ...