Raven in Silhouette, Unalaska Island Postcard

This raven shown in silhouette against the sky is perched on a fishing boat's hydraulic crane. The raven has no particular significance in Unangan culture. One elder described them as "dirty birds". The southeastern natives of Alaska have a different view and see raven as a powerful being. Ravens have a crest over the eyes which they raise when they are being aggressive, the Haida and Tlingit people exaggerate this crest in their art to signify the power of the raven. This raven has his eye crests and throat feathers extended as a show of dominance to protect his perch on the crane. This photo was taken on Unalaska Island, but there are thousands of ravens all over Alaska and throughout the Aleutian Islands. They are the only birds who are not afraid of eagles.