Inbound flight streams

Feb. 8, 2023 under clear skies, wind W 9MPH, 45F; sunset time 5:06PM

On Crow Patrol with only stop along Marston Street while observing Crows streaming by overhead in SE direction towards staging areas up to 1/2 mile away, to the SE, in trees along the south side of the Merrimack River.

Almost on cue, smaller numbers of Crows began to lift up in flight into flight swirls over the Rt. 495 bridge about 23 minutes post sunset time.

Minutes later the massive incoming flight streams got underway with Crows coming from the nearby buildup and from farther away.

The Crows arrived with loud vocalizations and landed both in trees along Marston Street and in trees behind an extended area along the river behind 35 Marston Street. There were a number of later flight bursts like this one at 42 minutes post sunset time. It was an extraordinary sight to see!

For the 2022 Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for the Andover Circle, this separate Crow Count was 13,750 Crows. In 2021, the CBC Andover Circle Crow Count was 12,250. Many thanks to Donna Cooper who coordinates and compiles the Andover Circle each year!

Note on counts/estimates: we are now using improved methods for counting the large number of Crows while streaming, staging, and in the roost. For all images, we use both a modified open source counting software program, as well as a hand count approach, while outside next to the roost, to carefully document our observations and to significantly increase reliability and accuracy of the presented numbers. Please refer to our new roost counting guide on main page.

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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