Ravens, in my experience, a difficult birds to photograph. They are constantly alert and wary of humans, but are the most magnificent birds.
We have two local species, the Little Raven and the Australian Raven. It can be difficult to tell them apart. The Australian Raven is larger, with a more robust bill – the best way to separate the species is by call. Australian Ravens typically utter a slow, drawn out call aihh-aaah-aaah-aaaaaahhh … the last note dropping in pitch and intensity, while the Little Raven utters short rapid notes – ark-ark-ark … and yes, just to reiterate, we don’t have crows around here!
The bird pictured below is, I’m fairly sure, a juvenile Little Raven. It dropped, in a wheeling descent, from a passing flock of adults to drink in this small pool in the Rise and Shine. Yet to adopt the wariness of an adult raven it allowed me to capture a few images before it departed.
At the same time a Short-beaked Echidna moseyed straight past me … a nice finish to my stint at the pool.
Little Raven (juvenile), Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve, 1st December 2020
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Short-beaked Echidna
Ravens are among my favourite, Norse mythology aside. Your post was very helpful, particularly the differentiated calls. I regularly spend time in the High Plains where Ravens are common. Time soon for me to listen carefully on our walks.