These magnificent birds have set up shop in my favourite "roosting tree" up in Sunland Park. Ravens and crows, while similar in appearance are actually quite different. Calmer, quieter and twice the size of their cousins, ravens rarely gather in flocks the way that crows do and once they find that perfect partner they're together for the rest of their lives. They're also non-transitory, meaning they don't migrate from place to place, preferring to stay put year-round Engaging, smart and hell of alot eaiser to snap photos of, they're one of my favourite birds.

This is a raven, folks. Not to be mistaken for their lesser cousin the common crow, they're pretty magnificent to behold. Cooler, calmer and blessed with a deeper caw than their brethren, they're a full size bigger and from my observation, a helluva lot smarter.

It's Spring and time for all good lil birdies to find a nesting place, even when there's a rather chilly storm on the way.

It's Spring and time for all good lil birdies to find a nesting place, even when there's a rather chilly storm on the way.

A wee hummer flashing a look my way...they may be small but they have the heart of an eagle!

Another little guy caught by surprise!

A somewhat surreal shot. The lighting was less than ideal so I had to use a higher ISO and a slower shutter speed than normal, but that's okay....it gives some of the pics a dreamy quality that I rather like.