Nov. 20, 2024: under clear skies, wind E 5MPH, 54F; sunset time 4:20PM

Arrived at Laurel Hill Cemetery 35 minutes before sunset time and enjoyed hilltop views of the city and surrounding areas. Special thanks to local CBC compiler, Jon Skinner for an update on this roost after his recent visit. The initial incoming flight streams were mostly from the NW and heading past the cemetery and heading off in two directions. Image below at 20 minutes post sunset.

Most of the Crows slowly descended in flight and landed in tree tops about 1/3 of a mile away. Others maintained altitude, but veered off in more SSE direction. At 30 minutes post sunset, a number of Crows started to perch in trees along the NNE section of the cemetery, But later cleared out in flight towards the roost. This image below looking NNE at Crows in a final staging area before heading to the overnight roost.

Headed off to the SE in search of the overnight roost location. Discovered the overnight roost while driving along Laurel Street just after South Street. It is located next to the historic South Street Cemetery along the south bank of the Nashua River. The Crows were observed in the tree tops and settled in for the night with minimal vocalizations. This image below from a group driveway off of Walnut Street, was looking NE and skyward at 53 minutes post sunset time.

After finding and observing this overnight communal roost, moved around for possible alternate views from the Water Street area. This image looking SW from the Enterprise Reat-A-Car lot on Water Street was captured at 90 minutes post sunset time. A terrific night out finding and observing this overnight roost location!

For the 2023 Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for the Andover Circle (MAAN), this separate Crow Count was 11,600 total Crows, including American Crows and Fish Crows. In 2022, the CBC Andover Circle Crow Count was 13,750. Many thanks to Donna Cooper who coordinates and compiles the CBC Andover Circle each year!

The counts and methods meticulously developed by the Crow Patrol for the Lawrence roost were reviewed and validated at the highest levels in January 2021. This took place after advance review followed by a group discussion with the New England Regional Editor for the CBC, full support from the National Director of the CBC, and Donna Cooper as the local compiler. This discussion was prompted after an outspoken female birder, who admitted little prior large roost counting experience, submitted highly unusual and very questionable numbers (24,300). She had recorded her sightings after dark, from her car, with obstructed views! After the review process, the final count for American Crows for the 2020 CBC was set at 15,200. This final count reflected the extensive written data and field reports along with detailed imaging provided by members of the Crow Patrol. This final number was in total agreement with a long list of experienced local birders who have made prior counting visits to this winter roost in Lawrence, MA.

As a result of meaningful input from the National CBC Director, we are now using improved methods for counting the large number of Crows while streaming, staging, and settling into the roost. For all images, we use both a modified open source counting software program, as well as a direct count approach, while standing outside (not sitting in a car) around the roost, to carefully document our observations and to significantly increase reliability and accuracy of our well documented numbers. Please refer to our newly published Winter Crow Roost counting guide PDF on the main page.

The Canon mirrorless cameras with the RF 50mm f/1.2 lens and the RF 28-70mm F2 excel in low-light conditions, blending versatile focal lengths with an ultra-wide aperture. Both focal lengths work extremely well in very low light conditions, while the f/1.2  and F2 aperture settings ensure exceptional performance in low light conditions, offering stunning clear, and aesthetically pleasing images, making them ideal for the challenging very low light conditions around the overnight winter crow roost.

Remember to check out the latest Crow Patrol Podcast with John Macone (Merrimack River Watershed Council): wintercrowroost.com/podcast/

Photo gear used for most outings:

Canon EOS 80D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS 

Canon EOS 80D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (Infrared)     

Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless with Canon RF 28-70 f/2 L IS USM 

Canon EOS R6 II Mirrorless with Canon RF 50 f/1.2 L USM 

Sony AX700 4K HDR Camcorder

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