We had been travelling up to the family acres.
A good part of the journey is on a two-lane freeway.
The speed limit is a ‘suggested’ 110kph. I’m sure it’s suggested as most of the outside lane didn’t see it as a suggestion, rather as a lower limit.
The inside lane was mostly travelling at more modest, say, 90kph.
That is normally the lane I sit in, as I’m as much interested in the journey than the desire to get there before anyone else.
The 110+ lane was a constant snaking line of vehicles: Buses, Trucks,-small and large and B-doubles, cars, and Prado’s towing caravans.
Travelling in the “slow” lane does provide a chance to enjoy the around of the scenery, and of course to check the skies for any birds in-flight.
We managed to catch up with the end of the next slow lane parade, about 10-12 vehicles, and tucked in behind at a suitably safe distance. Meanwhile the steady stream of the fast lane streamed by.
Then one of those jaw-dropping moments. “You’d never believe it.” That can’t be right, No, Never.
Standing on the white-line between said, fast and slow moving traffic snakes was…
A Little Raven.
As the fast lane rushed by and the slow lane meandered along, the gap between the two lanes would not have been more than about 1.5 metres.
And there.
Walking along, like it was out for promenade, was a Little Raven. Seemingly oblivious to the rushing vehicles.
There was no room for it to move between either line of vehicles, and we were about 8-10 cars back when I first noticed it. Still with wings tucked in, and a determined look on its face, it walked the narrow space between the vehicles.
Yajusthaddabethere!
We watched with heart in mouth as we approached it and quickly sped by. Thankfully we were the last in the line, and the Raven taking the opportunity lifted off after we had passed and dropped onto the side of the road.
It’s cool, calm approach probably saved its life, and we were left to ponder if it had been caught out unexpectedly, or was it something it had done before.
Yet another lesson in the adaptability of some birds, and an opportunity to once again be amazed by the intelligence of these impressive creatures.
Of course I didn’t make a photo of that bird. Let’s face it, it certainly took me by suprise.
So here is one I made in a carpark on another occassion.
Enjoy.
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER doesn't mean I'm LOST 
Amazing! They always are very sure of themselves, but that sounds like incredibly risky behaviour to me!
And doesn’t ‘gel’ with their usual cleverness!
And I am pleased to hear you didn’t try to ‘get the shot’ while driving by!
Dave N
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Ha, not much hope of me even thinking about it. I was petrified the bird was going to make a break for freedom in front of me. Not a prospect I was looking forward too.
Still it managed to hold its nerve, and I’m tipping we were the only people to see it on the road. 🙂
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An amazing opportunity David to observe the cleverness of this very intelligent bird. A great read my friend.
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Hello Ashley, yes, is not everyday that my jaw drops, but this one one of those occasions. Can’t imagine the calculations that was going on inside the bird’s head.
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It would certainly be a heart in the mouth moment to see the Little Raven in such a dangerous place. A great story, and I do like the photograph of another Raven in slightly safer surroundings!
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Hello Eleanor, I know they are intelligent, and capable, but I can’t help but think it was probably caught out and then held its nerve looking for a spot on the road.
While out and about today, we came upon a young Magpie that was in the middle of the road. It was just luck we didn’t hit it on the small country road. No doubt probably its first day out, and it didn’t know it was in danger.
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