Ravens The Problem with Image

I grew up in the north about 600 miles south of the treeline. It was inhabited by many ravens. We didn't see them too often in the summer but as the cold weather arrived, they were more willing to come near people.

The colder the weather, the more of them you saw. Usually they sat on wires above your head all fluffed up and chilly looking.

Occasionally, the cold would break and for a week or so warm weather would come. Just like children let out at recess, these huge birds would react by flying loops, diving and generally acting silly and calling to each other. Research says they are one of the most intelligent and the most playful of birds and to see them in action put a smile on your face. They have been observed playing tag with dogs and wolves and even making toys from sticks etc. I've seen videos of them undoing zippers on backpacks, garbage bags and opening containers.

In the spring, they perform the most beautiful aerial courtship dances. I spent many hours watching in fascination. It was even possible to see them fly upside down in their efforts to impress. I don't know if it got them a mate but it sure impressed me.

Unfortunately, they have a bad image but maybe that's been their salvation because with their intelligence if they were beautiful seed eaters they would have been captured then sold as pets.

So I draw them because I love them and have fond memories

I love Ravens Quote Watercolor Raven Bird T-Shirt
by countrymousestudio

Love Ravens "Raven Lunatic" Bird Fanatic Grunge Outdoor Pillow
by countrymousestudio

and then of course Halloween is coming and there's always Edgar Allen Poe

Edgar Allan Poe The Raven Poem Raven Watercolor Shower Curtain
by countrymousestudio

Edgar Allen Poe The Raven Halloween Poem Fleece Blanket
by countrymousestudio

A True Halloween Horror Story

While reading Fiona's beautiful blog http://raindropsanddaisys.blogspot.com/      I spotted a plant with an orange berry that I have been trying to name for a while.  I did a search on Google and found  a perfect Halloween horror story. 

Oriental Bittersweet, often used to decorate at Halloween is a true horror story.  It was originally introduced into the USA in 1860 as a more robust replacement for the native American Bittersweet. 

Often planted under a tree, it engulfs the poor thing by wrapping so tightly around, that it strangles them.  At the same time, the vine's massive crown of leaves shades its host and robs the plant of light.  If the tree isn't dead from lack of light and being closed off from food and water, the vine grows so huge its weight will eventually topple a smaller tree.  It's berries are much brighter red making it more attractive to birds so they will choose them over the American Bittersweet and then spread the plant when they drop the seed usually while sitting on a tree branch therefore dooming another tree to certain death.  Unfortunately, because of it's beauty, it is still being planted.

Here's an image of it from CarolsCamera on Zazzle.  She got a good close up of it.

Bittersweet Vine Berries Items by CarolsCamera
Create a full color post card on Zazzle

Once I recognized it I was surprised to remember that even I thought it was pretty and had used it in a painting from last year

Black Capped Chickadee, Bittersweet, Fridge Magnet by countrymousestudio
Sell art online at Zazzle.

The pumpkin image above is from www.stylehive.com