Nov. 28, 2022 under clear skies, wind N 7MPH, temp 43F; sunset time 4:13PM

Out on Crow Patrol with first stop along lower Prospect St. with Crows just starting to gather in the hillside tree tops below the water tower. About 18 minutes after sunset time, hordes of Crows came streaming in from the N and from SW, it was staggering! The incoming streams continued for over 15 minutes with loud vocalizations all around roost area and dazzling flight bursts.

Later made a check over by New Balance and discovered continuing second roost area in trees along the river by New Balance. Another dazzling show!

For the 2021 Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for the Andover Circle, this separate Crow Count was 12,250 Crows. In 2020, the CBC Andover Circle Crow Count was 15,200. 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 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