Cuckoo… Cuckoo…” — the unmistakable springtime call of the Common Cuckoo echoes across meadows and forests, even though the bird itself is rarely seen. Enjoy this iconic sound of Europe's wild season.

As I write this column the sun is just coming up over Spread Eagle Mountain in Keene Valley. Astronomically speaking, it is just past summer solstice time, so sunrise comes early. I am bleary still ...

4. Crows and ravens are some of the smartest animals in the world, with their intelligence considered on par with chimpanzees. The New Caledonian Crow is probably the most famous example of one sign ...

The raven has long been associated with death and dark omens, but the real bird is much more multifaceted. Here are 10 fascinating facts about ravens. Ravens are extremely smart.