We rarely see ravens up here on the northern plains but I did see one a couple days ago. But we're seeing a wider variety of birds than we did when I was growing up, particularly blue jays and cardinals. We also get loads of grackles which are just a pain in the ass. What's strange is that I can drive to the farm, seven miles NW of town and the bird population changes entirely. Red-wing blackbirds and meadow larks rule out there, and are much more pleasant to the ear.
Growing up, I only rarely saw eagles and always goldens, never baldies. Now I see bald eagles near Lake Sakakawea often and a lot more goldens. And there's no mistaking them for hawks, not with those wing spans. A few years ago we were walking among the ruins of an old meat-packing plant in the badlands. Our little pom/corgi cross was sniffing around. I heard my wife yelling to get him in the car and pointing to the sky. About a hundred feet or so above us two goldens were circling, 6-7' wing spans. I hustled that dog into the car in record time.
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