We took a ride to Flagstaff yesterday for three reasons: 1—to get away from the heat, 2—to explore the town a little bit, and 3—to deliver the critter in this carrier.
It's a baby Raven! He looks big but Ravens are the largest bird in the crow family. A full grown one weighs 31 pounds, is two feet long and has a wingspan of 3.3 ft. Ravens live to be 40 yrs. old in the wild, and 70 yrs. in captivity.
We have been doing some volunteering for a local wildlife refuge called Wonders of the Wild Animal Sanctuary. This Raven needed a ride to Flagstaff so he could live with Melanie, a gal who rehabs Crows and Ravens. She lives on a large plot of land outside Flagstaff and has an aviary for her birds. She thought this guy was about 5-6 weeks old. Many of the birds she has raised are free but choose to live on her property.
Ravens are capable of aerial stunts similar to birds of prey. They are considered the most intelligent of birds with a high learning ability. We almost hated to hand this guy over to Melanie, but we know that he will have a great home/life with her.
While in Flagstaff we got a membership to Sam's Club thinking a ride to Flagstaff might be cooler than a ride to Phoenix (Costco) in the summer months.
We also visited Riordan Mansion State Park. This 13,000 sq. ft. house was built in 1904 by Michael and Timothy Riordan. They were members of a prominent AZ family and had a significant role in the development of Flagstaff.
The family was involved in lumber, railroads, cattle, banking and politics. The architect who designed this house also designed the El Tovar Hotel in the Grand Canyon. The house has beautiful stained glass panels and is full of Gustav Stickly furniture.........to die for!
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