Raven monitoring

During the Clyde Branch discussion group it was mooted that eight species would receive some survey attention, Raven being one.

Ravens are an honorary raptor given their behavioural ecology and their surveying would normally fall to the Scottish Raptor Study Groups (SRSG). However, many of the Ravens within and on the periphery of the city will be going unchecked and this is where the SOC can partner the SRSG. I’ve spoken to the species coordinator in the Central Raptor Group who is pleased to hear of our involvement and we will look to get a ringing opportunity for those interested to attend a nest ringing event. So please record all nesting Ravens you find in the Clyde Area.

Raven chick

Raven brood - colour ringed

Fieldwork: Ravens are nesting now. Many are sitting incubating in low lying areas while hill birds are still nest building or lining nests. At this time they are particularly susceptible to disturbance and should be viewed from a distance. Active sites can be quite obvious. Sites like church spires, quarries and phone masts are used throughout central Scotland. It becomes a little trickier with tree nesting birds. Often in mature conifers, particularly Scots Pine. Look for shelter belts or small stands along the 100 metre contour line. They invariably have a spatial territory of 3-4 Kms. They are vocal, particularly if you approach a nest and at this point you should back off and watch from a safe distance. They lay 4-5 eggs and will usually produce 3-4 young per successful site. If you detect a nest and the incubating bird is sitting tight, then a very stealthy walk around the base of the tree will produce splash, dropped sticks from the nest, wool used for lining the cup and occasionally discarded food items.

Take a picture of the site and note the type of tree and how high up the nest is. Note any obstructions as this can be passed back to the ringers who will come along to colour ring the chicks. This will form part of a long running project. Ravens programme their breeding cycle with lambing so please be mindful of the needs and concerns of the farming community. Most important of all is the safety and security of the birds, their interests first!

Anyone who would prefer in person training on site at a raven nest or attending a ringing event,  just let me know my contact details are:
[email protected]
Mob: 07887883117.

​John Simpson
SOC Clyde Branch Local Recorder
22 March 2023​

All article photos: © Central Scotland Raptor Study Group (CSRSG)

Raven nest in a tree

Raven nest on a crag