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Grandfather Journal

On September 3, wildlife biologists from the Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute at Lees-McRae College release a juvenile raven into the wild at Grandfather Mountain.

"Baby" had been turned in to the rehab center as a chick. His feathers were molting and he was not able to fly. The rehabbers kept him safe and healthy while his new, mature feathers were growing in and prepared to release him into the wild raven population on Grandfather.

For two weeks prior to his release, Baby was kept in a large cage adjacent to Grandfather Mountain's wildlife habitats. This allowed Baby to see and talk to the wild ravens flying above him and also gave him time to learn the local dialect of Grandfather's ravens. It was not long before the wild ravens were landing on his cage and engaging him in conversation.

On the day of the release, Baby took to the air but did not fly far. He seemed unsure of his wings and it took him a little while to get comfortable flying from tree to tree. (Catherine Morton photo)

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