London, England - Tower of London Ravens - August 2024

As I mentioned in my last post, I have a long-standing fascination with the Tower Ravens. As history, King Charles II (who reigned from 1660-1685) was warned that, if the ravens left the Tower of London, the Tower and Crown would fall. To prevent that, Charles insisted that the ravens be protected.

There are currently six ravens at the tower. Their primary and secondary flight feathers are clipped so that they can still fly, but not particularly well - it encourages them to stay at the Tower, protecting the Crown.

The ravens can be fairly elusive, but we actually were able to get within two or three feet of them at two different points in the day. You are heavily discouraged from feeding the ravens or getting any closer than that, as they are wont to peck an eyeball if they feel attacked. We kept our respectful distance as I got the photos below - I've been thinking of maybe looking at one for the Iowa State Fair Photo Salon, but am not sure if there are any worthwhile.

This dude kept giving people the stink-eye, so I kept a few feet back. Their bird-legs are stronger than, say, a robin's are.

Daring to get a little closer - Edgar Allen Poe would have been so proud. His throat feathers were beautiful.

Their beaks are fascinating.

Look at those creepy toenails. Clearly it cares enough to paint them black.

A buddy of the other raven. He had a healthy beard.

Right before liftoff.

The feathers in the wings are so crazy long.

I have a few videos of my raven friends, but this was the only one of them where any of the ravens had something to say.