Shared by Bob Flippen, Education Specialist, as Guest Blogger.

In March 2015, as the Sesquicentennial events of the American Civil War at High Bridge Trail State Park were transpiring, a large nest was discovered in the corner of a steel tower of High Bridge.

The inhabitants were identified as Common Ravens by Dr. Michael Stinson of Southside Virginia Community College, an avid bird enthusiast and Trail user. The ravens were named Raymond and Ramona and three of their seven eggs survived to maturity.

Ramona sits on her nest snuggled into one of the steel towers of High Bridge

In the course of researching the birds, it was learned they grow up to 2 feet in height, live in the wild 25-40 years and when they take a mate, they mate for life returning to the same spot each year to raise a brood. Personally, I had my doubts that they would actually return to this nest. After all the nest became quite an attraction for us on the bridge and each time people were shown the nest, Ramona would fly away leaving her brood exposed to view and the delight of Park visitors. Why would she return only to be pestered by people and Park staff separated by only a few feet and the screen along the railing? Certainly there are more private areas to find close by.

Five eggs are found in Raymond and Ramona's nest

In late February 2016, during a routine bridge patrol, I heard that distinctive staccato, quasi-croaking sound that ravens make and I saw her-Ramona landing where her prior nest was located. My pace quickened as I approached and sure enough, there was a nest with three eggs in it! It's true, they do return to the same spot! Careful monitoring in the interim determined she laid one egg a week until she began to "sit" on her young progeny.

On the night of March 12, we had an astronomy program on High Bridge and a quick check at 6:45 p.m. showed five eggs were still in place. The next morning, a young family was on the bridge and when shown the nest, both Raymond and Ramona flew away revealing four young hatchlings.

Four young hatchlings were discovered in early March

Since then the four are progressing nicely. Matter of fact, they have been so well fed that in the short span of a month they are the size of grown chickens! It won't be long before they gather the courage to step out onto the tower rail and with their wings stretched out as if drying in the wind, finally make that first leap of faith into the world. Even then, they won't leave the area quite yet.

Within a short span of a month the young hatchlings are the size of a small chicken

Last year's brood stayed close by for several more weeks. One in particular adopted the eastern bridge abutment as home and stayed on top of it or on the ground along the base with Ramona bringing it food. As their flying skills improved they could be seen flying from brick pier to pier until one day they were gone.

A hungry hatchling is waiting for Mom to bring it food

As a survival strategy, young ravens tend to congregate in groups of adolescents when they can be quite mischievous due to their curiosity. They too will find their niche in life, take a mate and the whole process repeats itself.

It won't be long before they gather the courage to step out onto the tower rail and spread their wings 

We are fortunate at High Bridge Trail State Park to have these birds. They have given us yet another method of interacting with visitors. Since they have a significant longevity and return annually, we look forward to a yearly observational research project on their development and each brood. When visitors come to High Bridge, the raven nest has become another attraction to enjoy.

For directions to and more information about High Bridge Trail State Park, click here.

See you on the Trail!