Flight bursts in infrared

Dec. 26, 2024 under clear skies, calm, temp 26F; sunset time 4:17PM

Out on Crow Patrol two and a half  hours after sunset time with Crows tightly packed into overnight roost trees along the south side of the Merrimack River, consolidated back into a single roost location. No more than 200+ Crows seen in trees along north side of the river. Image below at 2hrs 30 minutes post sunset.

Overall, the vocalizations were very limited, but there were continuing intermittent flight bursts within the overall roost area. Image below at 2hrs 51 minutes post sunset time.

Had a nice opportunity to capture infrared stills and video, showcasing roost activities well after dark. This image captured a few minutes later with infrared light cast upon the roost, and providing a very different feel for the Crows in the roost.

Again, large numbers of Crows were seen in the trees, on utility wires, and on the ground. As always, the unexpected flight bursts were quite a sight to behold! Image below at just over 3 hours after sunset time.

Before leaving, hundreds of Crows were observed mulling around on the ground at the rear of the New Balance parking lot. Image below at almost 3.5 hours post sunset time. Another fascinating Crow Show!

For the 2024 Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for the Andover Circle (MAAN), the separate Crow Count was 12,550 total Crows, including American Crows and Fish Crows. In 2023, the CBC Andover Circle Crow Count was 11,600. Many thanks to Donna Cooper who coordinates and compiles the CBC Andover Circle each year! Craig serves as the designated sector leader for the roost count.

The counts and methods meticulously developed by the Crow Patrol for the Lawrence roost were reviewed and approved in January 2021. This took place after a full review of all field notes and images, followed by 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 CBC Count Circle compiler. After this comprehensive review process, the final count for American Crows for the 2020 CBC was set at 15,200. This final count reflected the detailed field reports and imaging provided by members of the Crow Patrol. This count number was also in total alignment 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 enhanced methods for counting the large number of Crows while streaming, staging, and settling into the roost. For all counts, we utilize multiple direct block counts of the Crows in flight and later while the Crows are perched in trees, always while standing and walking around outside (not sitting in a car after dark) around the roost. For all roost images, we use a modified open source counting software program, to carefully document and cross check our count numbers. This comprehensive approach significantly increases the reliability and accuracy of our carefully documented results. Please refer to our newly published Winter Crow Roost counting guide PDF on the main page.

For our still images, the Canon R6 mirrorless cameras excels in low-light photography due to its 24 MP sensor with fewer and larger pixels, allowing for better light collection and signal-to-noise ratio. The R6 II offers high dynamic range for detail retention, low digital noise even at high ISOs (up to 102,400), effective image stabilization for sharper images, and advanced image processing to minimize noise in dark areas.

The Canon mirrorless cameras with the RF 50mm f/1.2 lens and the RF 28-70mm F2 lens 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 because 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 any 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

Follow us on Instagram: wintercrowroost

Follow us on YouTube: wintercrowroost