Hawks, Ravens, Virus and Bad Science
The Virus Is a Hawk
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Guest essay written by Ctein
Outside of our bedroom window, at the edge of the cliff that overlooks the ocean, is a very large fir tree* that is home to an unkindness** of ravens. Some years ago it hosted two ravens, then three, as ravens are inclined to make more ravens. Now there appear to be eight or nine; I’ve lost count. Come trash-collection day they wander up and down the street, methodically checking out trash bins for ones that are overflowing. Ravens are extremely opportunistic omnivores.
They are also carnivores and predators. As such they compete for the same eco-niche as the local red-tailed hawks, and there is little love lost between them. (It’s also possible that the hawks attempt to prey on the ravens’ chicks, so even less reason for endearment.)
Periodically they also compete for airspace, because the hawks’ favorite updraft from the sea is not all that far away from the ravens’ tree. For birds, it is not good fences but great distances that make good neighbors. This distance is not great enough.
Excellent essay on Covid 19, bad science and people reactions to it. Please take the time to read the whole thing.