The morning call., 1891-03-25
THE RAVENS OF ALASKA.


They Are to the North What the Buzz
yards Are to the South.
The raven is bird deserving of respect
full attention. He is bird Of very ancient
lineage, dating back to the deluge, if not to
Eden, and figuring in the history of Eng
land as the prominent figure on the banner
of the hardy Viking devastators. In Eu-
rope and among the Mohammedans there is
q widespread dislike to ravens; in fact they
are regarded as birds of ill omen and car
rlon feeders. But quite the reverse is
thought of the bird in Southeastern Alaska,
where the nativ es regard it as very unfor-
tunate event should one be killed.
One of the officers of the United States
revenue cutter service, who has paid sew
eral visits to the southeastern and other
portions of the Territory of Alaska, men,
about the raven of our Arctic province:
My first experience with ravens in
Alaska was at Oonalaska. There the birds
fly around the beach aud village in large
numbers. On the hilltops surrounding the
harbOr they breed unmolested, and were it
not for their scavenger work the fish Offal
that lays around the shore and houses would
soon eDgender disease. The Alaska raven
is a tine-looking bird, as large as turkey,
and upon closer acquaintance q real hand
some fellow. His coat is indeed black, but
of a black gloSsier and more rich than silk
and softer than velvet, while in a semi
shade the feathers are tinged with that
peculiar color so often seen on weIl-pre-
served blue-black bronze.
g It's very funny to see these birds hold
ing, as it we're. a conclave. Ten or dozen
allght on the ground and walk to the meet
ing place with stately, erect step, their
every movement cool and assured. Then an
old bird steps grayely into the middle, and
the meeting begins with series of cultural
and harsh croaks, which gradually swell in
volume until the entire lot of birds have
joined in the debate. Along comes dog,
and for him they scatter, resuming their
positions when he passes, until the meeting
again terminates, and they fly off to the
beach and hills. These birds are very sell
dom killed unless it be by some sailor in
pure wantonness. Ii you examine the bills
OF these ravens the peculiar construction is
remarkable. They are combination of a
chisel, scissors, dagger and glmlet. The
bill forms an important factor In the ravens
existence. for he has tn dig on the beach for
clans, bore the hard shell by repeated
chipping, and again in pure mischief he
will tear and break anything that his
bright and unerring eye lights upon.
Just as soon as the bright sunlight ap-
pears the ravens leave their roOSting places
on the nil. tops for the beach line, and over
the village and shores of the bay they fly
and wander until shutdown invites them to
rest. The raven is a fine flyer. On the wing
his movements are well under command.
With strong, decided beats he winnows the
air fast or slow, never seeming in a hurry.
But if occasion requires. the raven can
travel at express speed, and when he sees
another bird feasting on some delicate NOR
sci of Otfal, down lie comes from nldair,
with his dlscordant cav, ready to share OF
steal the prize.
THE same characteristics are visible all
along the southern coast Of Alaska or Sitka.
The natives from Yakutat Bay, through the
network of Islands as far as British Column
bia, have an ancient legend that the raven
was the bird that brought light from dark
ness when the world was created. On this
account they venerate it, and the totem of
raven Is regarded as denoting the most
illustriUus descended family.
The raven does not appear to migrate, as
the residents all over that portion of Alaska
where the birds are found state that they
remain throughout the winter. "-P hiladel-
phia Item.