Dazzling Flight Bursts!

March 11, 2025 under clear skies, wind SSW 11MPH, gusts 24MPH, temp 59F; sunset time 6:46PM

Out on Crow Patrol scouting out staging locations upriver by the Abe Bashara Boathouse and then back for amazing action at the overnight roost that continues by the Great Stone Dam. It has been so gratifying to hear from so many people that have been to visit the roost this winter. It is truly a dazzling spectacle of nature! From recent postings, a reminder to all that the staging of the Crows upriver from the Great Stone Dam is only half the story—what happens after they lift off is even more fascinating; it is the grand finale! While thousands gather noisily around dusk, their true destination lies beyond the various staging locations. As darkness falls, the Crows shift eastward in waves, settling into the final overnight roost often times hidden from casual observers. This movement isn’t random—it follows well established patterns shaped by weather, safety in numbers, and a long history. This image shows the staging action in the trees along the Merrimack River west of the boathouse. Image just before sunset.

After staging in this area, the Crows made the shift eastward in flight to the overnight roost which continues in the trees located in the SW corner of Pemberton Park along the NE corner of the O’Leary Bridge. This is one of those locations that requires time outside of a parked car for clear observations. This image showing of of the many dynamic flight bursts at 35 minutes after sunset.

Just a bit later due to loud truck traffic noises including loud truck air horns, sent the Crows up and off over the Merrimack River on yet another dazzling flight burst! the uplit Casey Bridge is visible in the distance through the mass of Crows in flight.

Finally the Crows settled into the overnight roost trees alongside the Merrimack River in the NE corner of the O’Leary Bridge on Broadway with old railroad tracks nearby. Although the numbers have dropped quite a bit, very normal for this time of year, they still huddle close together for the overnight roost. This image shows the Crows at rest and with dramatically reduced vocalizations. This image at 55 minutes post sunset time with the Verizon Cell tower in the background.

By tracking their full journey from arrival in staging areas to the overnight roost, we gain much deeper insights into their winter habits. For casual observers, to see the full action, stay a little longer, by all means get out of the car, and witness the full and dazzling final movements before nightfall! This final image shows an aerial thermal image using the white hot color palette and provides a stunning overhead view of the overnight roost; this is part of a groundbreaking new research project with leading edge imaging tools to better understand roost dynamics. Another amazing night out with the Crow Patrol!

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 Wayne Petersen, the New England Regional Editor for the CBC, full support from Geoff  LeBaron, 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 Geoff LeBaron, 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

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