Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Gary Bogue column: Gary Bogue: Crows and Ravens: How do you tell them apart?

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Nov 05, 2009 (Contra Costa Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- ZZHXY | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Freshly fallen leaves,

Still soft and full of color,

Line my walking path.

-- Autumn Stroll by Gina Drakes, Danville

Dear Gary:

I enjoy the wildlife letters you get -- sorry I don't have a pet.

I am an avid naturalist who lives on the San Bruno Mountains in Daly City with S.F. out my back window and 3,300 acres of parkland across the street. I rarely see crows here, only when they need a 30-minute vacation from city life. Most people don't know the difference between crows and ravens and I bring that up only because so many readers have written in about crows -- not ravens.

Ravens have numerous encounters with hawks -- mostly red-tails -- not because they feel threatened but because they want to. Being such extraordinary fliers, they know they can tease and harass buteos (broad-winged hawks like red-tails) and it's just so darn much fun. They'll keep annoying a red-tail until it gets ticked-off and rolls over with talons facing skyward and screams, "Enough of this, I say!"

Of course, that only works until they resume proper flight posture, then all bets are off with the raven.

Anyone who subscribes to the notion that wildlife reacts by instinct obviously has never noticed the corvids, especially the raven.

Doug, Daly City

Dear Doug:

All members of the Corvidae (crows, ravens, magpies, jays) are characters.

It's pretty easy to tell ravens and crows

apart. Ravens are almost twice the size of crows, standing about 2 feet tall with a 4 foot wing spread (about the size of a red-tailed hawk). Crows are around 18 inches tall with a 2.5 foot wingspread.

Crows are also slender with a noticeably smaller beak, while ravens have a big, stocky appearance with unkept feathers on the neck that make it look even bigger. Ravens also usually utter hoarse croaking sounds and gargles, while crows have a higher-pitched "CAW."

Like you, I love watching ravens and hawks do their thing.

Just Like New Fund

--You can help Tri-Valley animals while shopping for unique gifts for people and pets at the Animal Lover's Boutique, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Feline Medical Center, 3160 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton. The boutique will feature a wide selection of toys, pet dishes, artwork, handmade items, garden art, and dog- and cat-themed gifts for people.

Proceeds benefit Jackie Barnett's "Just Like New Fund," which assists with one-time emergency veterinary costs for sick or injured pets to prevent euthanasia due to lack of funds. Details at www.valleyhumane.org.

Where's Tiajo?

--Tiajo, a 3-year-old male black and brown Chihuahua, was lost around 6 p.m. Sunday in the Sunset and Eden Plains area in Brentwood. He was wearing a black collar with a red tag. There's a reward for his safe return. Please call 925-550-2404.

Thanks for caring.

Dear Gary:

Do you know what it is that the hummers seek/find in the purple tendrils of the salvia plants?

Amos Carey,

cyberspace

Dear Amos:

Hummingbirds probe their long beaks into blossoms so they can use their tongues to extract nectar.

If they happen to spot a spider or other insect along the way, they'll eat that, too.

A final note

While riding the bus to work, I overheard a lady tell her friend that she did not get much sleep the night before because her dog was pacing the floor in the kitchen and her parrot kept saying, "Settle down, Rusty. Settle down." (Shirley, Concord)

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