A raven’s nest on the Adelphi University Garden City campus reflects growing awareness of biodiversity, sustainability and the quiet presence of wildlife in our shared spaces.
Walk past the front entrance of Levermore Hall and you might hear them before you see them—a series of deep croaks and the occasional raspy chatter. Look to the top right corner of the building, and you’ll find the source of the noise: a raven’s nest. Over recent weeks, this unexpected presence—and unexpected clamor—has caught the attention of students and faculty alike.
The birds arrived earlier this spring and quickly drew attention, not just for their size but for the unique sounds echoing from the nest. Many assumed they were crows, but faculty in Adelphi’s biology department quickly clarified: These are ravens, and their presence offers more than just a passing curiosity.
“They’re not just larger birds,” said Shana Caro, DPhil, assistant professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. “Their intelligence is pretty astounding. A lot of recent studies show that they approximate about a 7-year-old child in how well they can solve puzzles and deal with complex new situations.”
Their vocalizations—sometimes abrupt—aren’t random noise but part of an active exchange. According to Dr. Caro, ravens are capable of vocal and gestural communication. They’ve even been observed using their beaks to point—an ability that mirrors certain behaviors in primates and young children.
A Nest That Speaks to Sustainability
The decision to leave the nest undisturbed highlights Adelphi’s broader commitment to sustainability, particularly Goal 3 of the University’s Momentum 2 strategic plan, which emphasizes a greener, more ecologically integrated campus. In this case, the ravens found an unoccupied architectural nook and made it home, without disrupting human activity.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, millions of acres of bird habitat are lost or degraded every year because of development practices. In this context, allowing the birds to remain on campus is not only harmless but meaningful, offering a moment of connection to the natural world in an otherwise structured space.
In addition, Dr. Caro said that Adelphi has a thriving bird ecosystem, with more than 100 bird species confirmed on campus—evidence that the University’s efforts to foster wildlife-friendly environments are having a tangible impact.
Campus as a Living Classroom
The ravens nesting above Levermore’s entrance have become a point of interest and conversation among students.
Jocelyn Herrera, a senior psychology major, first noticed the birds during her early morning lectures and was struck by the activity just above her head. “They’re hard to miss, and it’s been interesting to learn how much is going on right on campus,” she said. “You talk about sustainability in theory, but this feels like a real example of how our space and nature can overlap in such a cool way.”
Dr. Caro encourages this kind of attention. She often tells students that if they spend even half an hour walking around campus slowly, they’ll begin to notice patterns in the landscape, including the wildlife that blend into the background.
A Small Moment With a Larger Meaning
Though the ravens will eventually move on, their presence has offered something lasting: a quiet demonstration of how even unexpected wildlife can coexist with human activity. It’s a reminder that sustainability is not always about large-scale infrastructure—it can also come from allowing space for nature to persist.
Adelphi’s decision to allow the nest to remain in place speaks to the University’s values: supporting biodiversity, respecting natural behaviors, and embracing the organic character of its green campus.
So next time you walk by Levermore Hall, take a moment to look up and admire Adelphi’s ravens. Research proves they are intelligent enough to recognize human faces—and they just might remember yours.