Greetings -
The much-reported (via the Bobolink Rare Bird Alert phoneline) Knox County (near Butler, and only 15 minutes south of Mohican State Forest) COMMON RAVEN was observed multiple times this morning and afternoon by I. Krise, D. Gesualdo, and myself. The raven was seen extraordinarily well but in brief periods of observation time, as it is extremely active and the terrain is exceptionally hilly. The raven is in the company of four to six American Crows, oddly enough, but it is the crows that are following closely and sometimes harassing the raven, not vice versa.
Fantastic views of this massive bird, with long, pointed wings, triangular tail, long neck/head and massive long bill. Two very poor photos of the bird in mid-glide were attained. It was frustratingly and surprisingly difficult to photograph this individual.
Apparently the bird has been present since October 2010, and it is still frequenting the same area as originally reported.
The most recent sightings (including today's) are on the north and south sides of College Hill Road (Township Highway 307) near it's junction with Koppert Road (Township Highway 309). It is also frequenting the intersection of Koppert and Fowler Roads (Township Highway 305), which is a quarter mile to the west of the College Hill/Koppert Road site. The BEST place to look is the 3/4 mile section of College Hill Road between its intersections with Hostetler and Koppert roads.
Be aware that many of the backroads here are DICY in condition, since the "thaw" is wreaking havoc with ice melt and mud. Four wheel drive and 6 cylinder engine vehicles should be fine, but 4 cyl low-clearance vehicles beware. Conditions should clear up just fine, however, it was likely that today was the "worst" for road conditions with the warm temps.
Other birds in the immediate area (College Hill, Koppert, Hostetler, Pealer Mill, and Ravin Roads): dark morph Rough-legged Hawk, upwards of 14 Red-tailed Hawks, 5 Red-shouldered Hawks, 4 American Kestrels, 18 Black Vultures, 6 Turkey Vultures, multiple Horned Larks, Eastern Bluebirds, White-throated Sparrows, American Tree Sparrows.
Directions:
From ROUTE 3 heading SOUTH, turn RIGHT onto Pealer Mill Road (County Road 45). Continue about 1.5 miles, note that you'll hit a hard right turn with Kline coming in from your left. Continue on Pealer Mill and soon after, turn LEFT onto College Hill Road. Head up the hill, looking particularly on the left hand side of the road. Pass Hostetler on your left, and from this point on, be on the lookout. Once you've peaked the road and have a nice view of the valley on your left, scour this area. From here to the intersection of College Hill and Koppert (just a half mile down the road), the raven is frequenting.
From Route 3 heading NORTH, turn LEFT onto Pealer Mill road (County Road 45) and follow the directions above.
best of birding -
Jen Brumfield
[log in to unmask]
Cleveland, Ohio
330-701-6452
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