Sheila and I were on the southern edge of Bryce Canyon today. Our terminus was called "Rainbow Point" and our journey took us 9,000 feet above sea level. Braving a stiff breeze and temperatures well below freezing, we stepped to the canyon's edge and gazed in wonder at the hoodoos below. That's when we noticed we were being watched.
Two of the biggest Ravens you've ever seen came swooping up from one of the hoodoos where they'd been waiting and watching. Apparently these guys had seen humans before because they entertained us like the cool professionals they undoubtedly were.
They'd learned their craft well. They knew what produced treats from humans so they began their well-rehearsed show. Since Ravens may be the most intelligent birds on planet earth, it was apparent these two birds were going to try every trick they had ever learned on us. They imitated a dozen different sounds, including guttural croaks, a strange gurgling noise and something eerily similar to a human voice. They snapped their bills making a sharp metallic "tock" sound.
The two of them tried to help each other succeed. They leapt into the air and performed stunt-pilot barrel-rolls, hovered in placed like American kestrels and dove like hawks, always returning to stare at us with a look of amazement that asked, "What's wrong with you? Don't you know that we've done all we're supposed to do to make you give us treats?"
They were incredulous. What they did should have worked.
Even so, I refused to give them anything. Based on my understanding of Obama's economic proposals these two birds seemed way too innovative, productive, industrious and talented to deserve any handouts.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 - Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.
Elijah was feed by ravens:
I Kings 17:1-7 "And Elijah the Tishbite, of the sojourners of Gilead, said to Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except according to my word. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Go away from here and turn eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, before Jordan.And it shall be, you shall drink of the brook. And I have commanded the RAVENS to feed you there. So he went and did according to the word of the LORD. For he went and lived by the torrent Cherith, before Jordan. And the RAVENS brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the torrent. And it happened after a while, the torrent dried up, because there had been no rain in the land."
Posted by: James Kytta | March 02, 2009 at 10:04 AM
I want to pet that little guy's head! His feathers look so soft and fluffy! He would for sure poke my eyes out with his talons...
Posted by: Amber Cox | March 03, 2009 at 02:17 PM