RAVENS are a common site on the Malvern Hills, twenty years ago they were less so as sheep farmers and gamekeepers tried to control their numbers. With its powerful beak a raven has been known to peck out the eyes of a new born lamb and as an efficient scavenger will feed on anything dead or dying.

However putting the grizzly aspects aside this bird is a superb performer in the sky, take a walk on the Hills at this time of year and see for yourself. The largest of the crow family with swept back wings and a diamond shaped tail, tumbles and cronks its way over the hills as it establishes it breeding ground for another year.

IAN ROWAT.