Dec 7th

Today, there was only some sporadic noise from the jackdaws and ravens, coming from Pontcanna Fields, about 30 minutes before we left the house at 7.40 a.m.

There had been rain in the night again, and it was damp when we left, with drizzle and intermittent rain. It was dark because of the clouds, but it was reasonably mild. The fields were very muddy, unsurprisingly!

We heard some raven calls from the ravens field as we made our way to the top of the big field.

One pair came down from the trees at the spinney - but there were still raven calls from the ravens field.

This pair was very shy when I threw them a few scraps, so I assume they were the second young pair.

We went into the ravens field, and eventually they followed us. They did not compete for the scraps, and kept their distance from us in the enclosure. When we had made our way round and went back towards the spinney and the big field (more-food way), they didn't follow us. I assume they had flown off - I was watching Madame and had my back turned.

Then, a pair did appear, just before we crossed the footpath, and they hopped into the big field in our wake. As I threw them the rest of the scraps, I saw that this was my bold raven and his companion. 

Its not just the way they follow us, hopping and getting within a couple of yards - its the way my bold raven competes for every scrap until he's filled his crop. He again scoffed most of the scraps, pushing his companion out of the way. It looks as if he really really means to get all he can.

That second raven gets her scraps only after the bold one has flown off to hide his loot.

I'm happy that he's back, but that happiness is tinged with a bit of sadness because of Madame, who still has a long way to go before she is well again.

We'll have to wait and see what tomorrow brings - and which ravens will appear!

Sunday, Dec 6th

Half an hour before going out, I again heard this kerfuffle from the back garden, this time only ravens and jackdaws sounded to be involved.

We left the house at 7.45. It had been raining heavily overnight, but was dry when we left. it was quite dark because of teh clouds, the sun well hidden, but the waning moon. now nearly half, still nicely visible in the West. 

It was quite mild, with a cool, Westerly breeze. 

Madame was much more perky today than in the last few mornings.

We walked on the footpath to the top of the big field. One raven cam down from the spinney, then the second. I threw them some scraps and went straight into the ravens field, where I let Madame off for a brief run. We stayed close to the spinney, me not wanting to overdo things in regard to Madame.

The two ravens followed us - and I saw that this time it was my bold one, and his companion. He was a bit apprehensive, being in the open field, but they both were only about five feet away from us - closer than the young pair ever were.

And gosh, didn't he go for the scraps! He butted his companion out of the way, several times, and scoffed about five pieces, storing them in his crop, before he flew off to hide them in a hole in the ground. 

That was the only time his companion got some - and he was back with a huge swoop when he saw that there was more food to be had!

We walked back along the 'more-food'way, they both followed us. Again, unlike the young pair, they walked pretty close behind us, not swooping first into a tree and then down again onto the big field.

When I had nearly finished with the scraps, and we had walked on, a second pair flew down to this field. They, and we, were quite a distance away from the first, bold pair, so there was no squawking and wing-flapping: the first pair took off, and the second pair got the rest of the scraps. As they kept their distance of a good three or four yards, I couldn't make out if they were my young pair or the other pair which had come in the last two days.

All together, this was a very good start to the day: Madame a bit improved, and my bold raven back! 

Lets hope for more of the same tomorrow.

Dec 5th

There was rain in the night, but it had stopped by the time we left the house at 7.45 a.m.

It was mild - feeling like spring after that freezing day yesterday. It was still dark and overcast - no impressive sunrise, but the waning moon, now about 3/4 full, was still prominent in the West.

I was not certain what the ravens would do. There was an almighty kerfuffle half an hour before we left. I heard it from the back of the house, so it must have coming from Pontcanna Fields. I could hear magpies with their cackling, jackdaws or crows, and ravens - all croaking and cawing together. 

Interesting to note that the ravens have a much deeper voice, and a slower repetition when calling than the jackdaws. I say jackdaws because, while these might have been crows, I know that there is a large number of jackdaws around.

We went to the top of the big field - no further, as Madame is still not well enough. 

First one raven came, then the second. This was my young pair, and one of them was less timid and came closer towards us for his scraps - about 2 yards. 

As they both were picking the scraps, another pair appeared and landed on the field. There was a brief flapping of wings as the first pair tried to scare the second lot away, but in the end, they all stood in a semi-circle around us, about 3 yards away, waiting for their scraps. 

In each pair, one raven fluffed their feathers and did that juvenile begging motion with the croaking - but they did that not towards the other raven, nor towards me - they had their backs turned towards us!

They did turn back towards us after they'd finished, and waited for their scraps as the other two did.

Interestingly, the two non-begging ravens were the ones who tried to snatch more of the scraps - and succeeding. All four followed us as we slowly went back - walking, not flying!

They stopped as soon as we were level with the bottom fence of the enclosure in the big field, and flew off. By that time, I had run out of food anyway.

What will tomorrow bring? More rain, thats for sure. 

I wonder if the bold raven and his companion will come back - or have they given up this area of Llandaff Fields to these younger ravens? 

I'd love to investigate this - but with Madame unwell it isn't possible for the time being.

Dec 4th

It was a very cold night, and when we left the house at 7.40 a.m., there was a slight mist over Llandaff Fields, the grass was heavily frosted and the temperature was just above freezing. There was no wind, it was dry, but too cloudy for an impressive sunrise.

The waning moon was still very impressive, big and pale, visible behind the veil of mist. Later, the clouds in the West had a beautiful rose-grey tinge.

Madame coped very well, there was no episode of being even slightly off-balance, but I didn't want to overdo it, so we only made it to the top of the big field. I did let her off for a few rolls on the frosty grass - she so loves doing that!

As for the ravens ...!

To start with, we heard some calls, coming from beyond Llandaff Fields. There was one poking holes in the first rugby pitch - i assumed it was my bold one, but it was still too dark to see properly. Still, I threw him a scrap. He waited to pick it up until we were well past him.

But then something totally unexpected and extraordinary happened.

As we rounded the top of the big field - two ravens came swooping down from the trees at the spinney, and they made soft croaking sounds, as if to welcome us back.

These were my young ravens. I fed them, and they walked up quite closely, to within a couple of yards.

Then - another pair appeared, and my young pair just accepted them without fuss. Just as I threw them all some scraps - two more ravens appeared!

So there was this group of six ravens, all on the ground at the top of the big field, all expecting scraps. They kept away from us a bit further than my young pair, even my bold raven who was one of that group.

They got all I had with me - Madame getting some scraps as well.

I could not believe this extraordinary event.

I've never seen all six together in one group - they are usually spread out across the whole huge area of Llandaff Fields.

I think the cold and the hard ground made them somewhat desperate for food, any food - and I think they must have observed me feeding the one or other pair.

It was wonderful! I only wish I had had more scraps with me.

We went home pretty smartly after that, because my fingers were frozen, and Madame had collected little balls of ice under her pads - the frosty stuff from the grass collects on the fur between her toes and makes it uncomfortable for her to walk. It was difficult to remove them with my icy hands.

I wonder what the ravens will do tomorrow. There will be rain, and it will be a bit warmer.

We'll have to wait and see ...!

Dec 3rd

We left the house at 7.35 a.m. It was dark, cloudy, cold, and there was some drizzle. Madame was quite happy to go out, she had a good night. 

It was amazing to see the waning moon, really huge, through the veil of clouds towards the West. What a sight!

We heard a few raven calls, and I saw one raven sitting in a tree close to the boundary to the new housing estate. Otherwise, there were none to be seen. 

We walked up the footpath along the big field, Madame on her lead. I was hoping to pick the ravens up at the top of the big field, and saw one sitting in the top branches of an ornamental cherry tree.

As we approached, he flew off towards the ravens field.

However.

There was continuous noise from an ambulance trying to get through the early morning traffic on the road running along the top of what were once quarries. And then it started to rain properly. Madame sat down, looking at me, as if to say 'help me'. I suspect the noise made her feel ill.

So I picked her up and turned back home. I carried her for a bit, then she wanted to be set down and we walked the rest of the way.

Sadly, the ravens had to make do without my scraps of meat today. I don't know if we'll be able to feed them tomorrow - Madame's well-being has priority. 

I will take the scraps with me, however, just in case ...