Increasing number of ravens take to Winnipeg sky

WINNIPEG — An increasing number of ravens have been taking flight over Winnipeg skies.

The Global News team has spotted dozens flying around outside 201 Portage Avenue and according to Nature Manitoba these numbers have been observed by many local birders, especially this year.

The higher numbers could be partially due to the warmer weather the city has been experiencing this winter season as it can provide more food for the birds.

“These are the warmest overnight temperatures we have seen since 1932 for November and December,” said Meteorologist Jay Anderson.

Ravens are attracted to uncovered garbage bins and discarded food on the ground, which afford the birds easy meals.

However Rudolf Koes from Nature Manitoba said the birds are hearty and can survive in the arctic, so the weather may not have an affect on their numbers but definitely can’t hurt.

Koes said this is a record year for ravens in the city.

“We did the Christmas bird count on Dec. 20 and counted 291 ravens, that’s a new record,” said Koes. “20 or 30 years ago we would only have seen a few handfuls.”

Nature Manitoba said it has been observed the ravens hunting pigeons cooperatively, much like wolves do.

“This is new, we haven’t seen this here before,” said Koes. “A single raven wouldn’t stand a chance trying to take down a pigeon on its own. So they have adapted and are hunting in 2’s and 3’s.”

Koes said there is no reason to be concerned for any pets, such as small dogs.