Last Sunday found me atop the Verdugos, finding at least three dozen ravens having a big party in the pine woods planted on the heights. Birds were seen entering and leaving the area at high altitude (at least at high as Mt. Verdugo at times). Although it was partly cloudy and cool, there seemed to be plenty of air currents to play in - the birds were mostly on the fire-damaged, west side of the mountains, where the occasional sun might have been producing warmer air. A lot of acrobatics and pairing off was observed. In other areas of the Verdugos, isolated pairs combed the undamaged areas in typical foraging mode.
I had a look at the map and noted that the pair observed on December 6th departed Hollywood at high altitude over Mt. Cahuenga, on a route that would take them directly to the site of the big congregation seen there today. The question now: is that a frequent congregation? I’m hoping to find out on Boxing Day.