This raven flew in and landed on top of the sign just after I parked my car. It showed no fear as I approached for the photograph. I assume it was hoping for a food reward as they are beggars as well as scavengers and predators. The raven is a common site in Yosemite. Their population seems to have grown a lot in recent years, most likely due to all the increased human activities and opportunities for them. They are very smart birds, opening packs and stealing food. Most of us have mixed feelings about them. I love their intelligence and curiosity, and they help keep the park clean by eating the smallest of food scraps left behind by humans. But they are strong competitors and predators and may be adversely affecting native animals. Ravens seem to be quite territorial as I often see what seems to be the same pair(they mate for life) in the same places time after time. I don't think we have any of their smaller relatives the crows in the park. Note their thick beak, scruffy under neck feathers and many interesting voices, unlike the crow.
