A very large Raven and first Friday

What is this?

A very large nest for an over sized raven, it is made from yard sticks, rulers, folding and metal tape measures. It is attached to an old wood tripod and stands about 3'6" but could go higher. 

Here she is Corvus corax or the common raven not a very fancy name for such a wonderful bird. This raven measures over 29" long the real bird is not much smaller at 24" in length with a wing span of 53" thats almost 4 1/2 feet. This bird and nest along with some smaller crows are going to be displayed at the Stone Buddha in Silverton, Oregon. I was ask to be a featured artist  at the Stone Buddha for the towns first Friday in  October. First Friday happens to be Oct 1st the display will stay up for the month. 

I put this photo of the large Santos so you can see the scale of it's size. The Santos stands 5'4" almost as tall as me. I will be adding some eggs to her nest this next week. It has been fun working on the large items, I might have to get a bigger house.

Did you know if a raven is lucky it can live in the wild to a ripe old age of 40. 

I almost stepped on this little fellow the other night right after the rains started. I'm not so fond of slugs in fact I wish I never saw them but I do like snails carrying it's little home on it's back.

But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered— not a feather then he fluttered
Till I scarcely more than muttered, "other friends have flown before
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before."
Then the bird said, "Nevermore."