My wife and I went to a restaurant close to where we live. El Cortijuelo is one of two restaurants situated about 4km outside the village of Villanueva del Trabuco. “Trabuco” is about 1 hour and ten minutes drive north-east of Nerja.
The food and service in El Cortijuelo are very good and a Menu del Dia will cost 10€ per head. That’s a three-course meal with a drink.
Today would be a little different to most days. Today I met a bird sitting at the bar on some bloke’s arm.
To be clear; I met Ben, a Raven.
I had some experience with Ravens as I served in the Irish Guards and often mounted guard at the Tower of London. As everyone knows, there are a few Ravens living there.
The poor thing had been to the vet as he had an unfortunate accident and needed his wing pinned. Needless to say, he attracted a lot of attention and many people had selfies taken with him, me included.
Cayetano and the Raven
The gentleman with the Raven was called Cayatano, he told me about the other pets he has; these included eagles and Owls. Cayetano has rural accommodation in the countryside closer to the town of Algaidas; Cortijo la Umbria.
La Umbria is available to guests all year round and is situated in a beautiful part of the Malaga province of Andalucia. Check out the prices and photos from these links. Cortijo La Umbria
About Cortijo La Umbria
Ravens
The raven is a large black bird that belongs to the genus Corvus, which is part of the family Corvidae. Several species of ravens are found worldwide, including the common raven (Corvus corax), the largest species of passerine bird.
Here are some key characteristics and facts about ravens:
- Appearance: Ravens are known for their glossy black feathers and their thick bills. They have shaggy throats and wedge-shaped tails. Adult common ravens typically measure around 56 to 68 centimetres (22 to 27 inches) in length, with a wingspan of about 115 to 130 centimetres (45 to 51 inches). They are larger and heavier than crows, their close relatives.
- Distribution: Ravens have a widespread distribution throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They are adaptable birds and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, mountains, coastal areas, and even urban environments.
- Intelligence: Ravens are brilliant birds and are considered one of the most intelligent species in the avian world. They have been observed exhibiting problem-solving skills, using tools, and displaying complex social behaviours. Ravens are known for their ability to mimic sounds and voices, and they can even imitate human speech to some extent.
- Vocalizations: Ravens have a wide range of vocalizations, including deep croaks, gurgles, and rattles. Their calls are often associated with their mysterious and somewhat eerie reputation. They use vocalizations to communicate with other ravens, establish territories, and warn of potential dangers.
- Diet: Ravens are omnivorous and have a varied diet. They feed on a wide range of foods, including fruits, grains, insects, small mammals, carrion, eggs, and even garbage. They are opportunistic scavengers known for their association with feeding on the remains of large carcasses.
- Cultural significance: Throughout history, ravens have held significant cultural and symbolic importance in various mythologies and folklore. They are often associated with intelligence, wisdom, and mystery. Ravens are prominently featured in the mythologies of many indigenous cultures and have been depicted in literature, art, and popular culture.
It’s worth noting that the information provided here pertains to common characteristics of ravens, but specific behaviours and traits may vary across different species and populations.
There you have it! All you need to know about Ben and his friends. If you are staying in Nerja, you might like to visit the inland villages, you may bump into Cayetano and Ben.
