Sitka
Birds in the yard - at first glance, this could hardly seem more ordinary. Yet a closer look reveals the rarity, nay, the extraordinary nature of this scene. These birds are not crows but ravens. Ravens, much larger than crows, are also much shier, and in most circumstances are found only in the wildest places. But here on the Northwest Coast, ravens and people have always been companions. One can easily imagine an Indian village, centuries ago, where ravens perched atop roof beams or totem poles, watching the antics of the humans below. Ravens are thought to be among the most intelligent of all birds, and considering the variety of chuckles, questioning calls, and derisive cries they make, it's not surprising that Raven is the primary mythological character on the Northwest Coast. We saw these ravens at Sitka's Sheldon Jackson Memorial Museum. The museum houses native art and artifact from all over Alaska. Careful examination revealed many images of Raven, including the famed Raven helmet that Tlingit chief Katlean wore in battle with Russian settlers.
Ravens were not the only bird of note today. While cruising by Zodiac among some wilderness islands north of Sitka, we noticed an eagle perched on a beachside log. The eagle seemed unable to fly. Luckily, Sitka is home to the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, which specializes in caring for injured eagles. We visited the Center, and told them about the grounded eagle. The same bird had been reported to them days earlier, and, amazingly, as we spoke a rescue boat was already on its way! Our radioed directions helped the rescuers find the bird.
Ravens and eagles are the paired symbols of the Northwest Coast. In museums and in the wild, we were pleased with today's interaction with both birds.
Birds in the yard - at first glance, this could hardly seem more ordinary. Yet a closer look reveals the rarity, nay, the extraordinary nature of this scene. These birds are not crows but ravens. Ravens, much larger than crows, are also much shier, and in most circumstances are found only in the wildest places. But here on the Northwest Coast, ravens and people have always been companions. One can easily imagine an Indian village, centuries ago, where ravens perched atop roof beams or totem poles, watching the antics of the humans below. Ravens are thought to be among the most intelligent of all birds, and considering the variety of chuckles, questioning calls, and derisive cries they make, it's not surprising that Raven is the primary mythological character on the Northwest Coast. We saw these ravens at Sitka's Sheldon Jackson Memorial Museum. The museum houses native art and artifact from all over Alaska. Careful examination revealed many images of Raven, including the famed Raven helmet that Tlingit chief Katlean wore in battle with Russian settlers.
Ravens were not the only bird of note today. While cruising by Zodiac among some wilderness islands north of Sitka, we noticed an eagle perched on a beachside log. The eagle seemed unable to fly. Luckily, Sitka is home to the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, which specializes in caring for injured eagles. We visited the Center, and told them about the grounded eagle. The same bird had been reported to them days earlier, and, amazingly, as we spoke a rescue boat was already on its way! Our radioed directions helped the rescuers find the bird.
Ravens and eagles are the paired symbols of the Northwest Coast. In museums and in the wild, we were pleased with today's interaction with both birds.
