Why we should rave about ravens

MANY residents of my West Cork village consider it a rare privilege to have ravens nesting close by.

Big, wild birds, enshrined in history and legend, their presence demonstrates the unspoiled nature of our surroundings.

Since time immemorial, a pair has nested on the same local cliff-face. In late April, when the Courtmacsherry woods are carpeted in bluebells and ramsons, the fledglings are ready to fly.