Dec. 21, 2022 under clear skies, wind S 5MPH, temp 36F; sunset time 4:13PM

On Crow Patrol with first stop at lower end of Marston Street. Incoming flight streams were seen coming in from NW, SE, and off towards airport. They started to anchor in trees around the Marston St. and Prospect St. intersection. This image captured at 26 minutes post sunset time.

The incoming flight streams were very orderly, and the Crows layered into the upper canopy of roost trees with minimal flight outbursts. This image at 46 minutes post sunset time.

Vocalizations were a constant until the action quieted down. Many of the Crows remained in the upper canopy of the roost trees, like jimmies atop an ice cream cone. This image captured about 50 minutes post sunset time.

Made a late check up at Geisler Pool complex with Crows peppered in all the surrounding trees, rooftops of pool buildings and on the ground with ample ambient light all around. This image at 64 minutes post sunset time. Great night!

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. 

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 1DX MK II with Canon EF Telephoto Zoom 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless with Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 L IS USM Lens

Sony AX700 4K HDR Camcorder

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Blog post and photos by Craig Gibson, 2022 Crow Patrol