When I walked across Cardiff Bay’s Barrage and back on Tuesday, I was thrilled to spot the resident Ravens hopping about on one of the gantries. Then, as I watched, they paused next to each other and began mutual preening and murmuring in low, sweet tones.

It’s believed Ravens mate for life but even life partners need to reaffirm their pair bonding and these actions, plus dramatic aerial displays, are all important aspects of Raven courtship.

If you’ve not heard the sounds I’m talking about, the Raven love speak, there’s a short audio piece on the Audubon website here.