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Raven

  © Kizz Ferguson

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.
Picture
Raven chick
Picture
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:
Johnsimpson21@btinternet.com
Mob: 07887883117.

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

All article photos: © Central Scotland Raptor Study Group (CSRSG)
Picture
Raven nest in a tree
Picture
Raven nest on a crag
SOC is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC009859. Material on this website is fully protected by copyright law, and may not be used or reproduced in any form without prior written permission © SOC Clyde Branch 2022
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  • Home
  • Outings & Talks
    • Outings
    • Talks
  • About us
    • Branch Committee
    • CBBD22 species list
    • Join the SOC
    • Acknowledgements
  • Recording & Reporting
    • Recent sightings
    • Clyde Recording Area map
    • Clyde Bird List
    • Recording and Reporting Birds
    • Rare Bird Reporting
    • Recording and Reporting FAQ
    • Gazetteer
    • Clyde Systematic Lists >
      • 2001
      • 2002
      • 2003
      • 2004
      • 2005
      • 2006
      • 2007
      • 2008
    • Patchwork challenge
    • Photo Galleries >
      • Gallery 2021
      • Notable December 2022
    • Grapevine Archive >
      • 2023 >
        • May 2023
        • April 2023
        • March 2023
        • February 2023
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  • Resources
    • Articles
    • What to see >
      • What-to-look-for-March
      • What-to-look-for-April
    • Birdwatching Resources
    • Bird ID
    • Online Scottish Bird Report
    • SOC birding app
    • Publications
  • Get Involved
    • How to Get Involved with the Clyde SOC
    • Discussion Group
    • Focus Species 2023 >
      • Raven
    • Clyde bird projects
    • A-Z list of Groups / Projects
    • Further afield
  • Young Birders
    • SOC Youth Connect