We do have ravens here! Hence my signature stamp...

Unless you get close enough to really see size, it is hard to tell
them apart. Ravens have more massive beaks, and have a sort of
"shaggy" ruff around the neck.

But both species are very clever, and curious, and get into all sorts
of trouble. (Oh, and they often nest on cliffs.)

Here's a link from my home state:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/raven.html

I don't know off-hand where Poe was living when he wrote The Raven,
but he was unlikely to have seen any in Baltimore!

And here's a little tidbit about Poe's birthday:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/01/19/poe.mystery.ap/index.html?section=cnn_latest

I have all sorts of peculiar Poe stories, having lived in Baltimore
for ages. And if I *did* know anything about the person who leaves
cognac and roses on Poe's grave each year on his birthday, I certain
wouldn't go blabbling, no would I????

http://knowingpoe.thinkport.org/library/news/toaster.asp

Lisascenic