Canon 5D, 70-200mm f/4L IS
The Common Raven (Corvus corax). They might be common across the southwest but their level of intelligence is uncommon when compared to other birds of the region.
The raven is my constant companion. Some of my most memorable moments while hiking have included ravens and their antics. They are naturally curious and love to play often demonstrating acrobatic skills including rolls. Ravens have also been seen flying upside down for distances over 1/2 mile.
This pair of ravens landed near me while I was hiking in Utah. They allowed me to take several photos from as close as 6-feet. I’d like to think that they were as curious about me as I was of them.
Adam Schallau is a photographer whose work explores a variety of topics that
include the landscape, culture and people of the American Southwest and Rocky
Mountains. It is with a profound respect for the land, its people and their
history that Adam sets out to recapture the spirit of a place to tell a story
through his photography.
Adam is a recipient of the Luminous Landscape Endowment Award and was an Artist-in-Residence
at Grand Canyon National Park.
Although this photograph on the web is fantastic, I wish everyone could see the print of this photograph in person like I have. It is truly stunning. Such a simple, yet complex, image that will captivate the viewer over and over again.