Throughout history there has existed an extraordinary relationship
between humans and ravens. Ravens, like early humans, are
scavengers on the kills of great carnivores. As scavengers, ravens
were associated with hunters they found in the north: wolves and
later men. The trinity of wolf, man, and raven in the hunt is an
ancient one. In considering the appeal of the raven, Bernd Heinrich
suspects that a meeting of the minds might reside in that hunting
trinity.
Heinrich involves us in his quest to get inside the mind of the
raven. But as animals can only be spied on by getting quite close
Heinrich adopts ravens, thereby becoming a "raven
father," as well as observing them in their natural habitat.
He studies their daily routines, and in the process, paints a vivid
picture of the ravens world. At the heart of this book are Heinrich
s love and respect for these complex and engaging creatures, and
through his keen observation and analysis, we become their
intimates, too.
Heinrich s passion for ravens has led him around the world in his
research. MIND OF THE RAVEN takes you on an exotic journey--from
New England to Germany, Montana to Baffin Island in the high
Arctic--offering dazzling accounts of how science works in the
field, filtered through the eyes of a passionate observer of
nature.
Heinrich has a true gift, and in his stories, his beautiful
writing, illustrations, and photography, the ravens come alive.
Each new discovery and insight into their behavior is thrilling to
read, at once lyrical and scientific.
