Dare-Devil Ravens Toy with the Tempest in 1926 Mountain Diary
A raven perched atop Stob Dearg on Buachaille Etive Mor, gazing out over Glencoe, Scotland, sets the scene for a dramatic account from a 1926 country diary. The entry, dated 25 February 1926, vividly describes the flight of ravens during a wild day in the fells, capturing their dare-devil antics as they interacted with a fierce tempest.
Aerial Acrobatics in the Storm
Roaring up the mountain side, the storm tore rents in the mist, briefly revealing glistening screes. A pair of ravens gave an exhibition that appeared reckless, relying solely on their own bodies for motive power. They seemed to enjoy toying with the tempest, showcasing a mastery of the turbulent air.
Were they caught in air pockets? They dropped like stones. Whirled round in an air spout, they fell fluttering like sycamore leaves. If they spotted an angry peregrine beyond human sight, one raven turned on its back as if to stave off attack, a maneuver so graceful it resembled looping the loop. The bird had to right itself again, adding to the spectacle.
Lightning-Like Sweeps and Grim Landscapes
Suddenly, the ravens described lightning-like sweeps, as if anxious to outpace the next freakish trick of the gale. All this unfolded during a storm of such violence and blackness that it gave the mountain country an aspect of almost unimaginable grimness and savageness. The diary paints a picture of nature's raw power and the birds' resilient response.
This historical account not only highlights the ravens' aerial prowess but also reflects on the enduring wildness of Scotland's landscapes. It serves as a reminder of how wildlife adapts to extreme conditions, offering a glimpse into past observations of natural phenomena.
