Jan. 18, 2024 under heavy overcast skies, wind SW 8MPH, rain and fog, temp 39F; sunset time 4:42PM

Despite weather conditions, made a trip from Lawrence, MA to locate and observe the local winter crow roost. After scouting areas on both sides of Rt. 89, was unable to see a single Crow. In a final effort, stopped and parked at the south end of the parking lot at Central Supply on Water Street. Scanned the distant hillside and hilltop, probably 3/4 mile away, and possible elevation over 800ft, after hearing distant vocalizations. Observed a few Crows coming in along the tree line and then observed several groupings in tree tops on the downslope. American Crows almost always roost around ambient lighting, so it didn’t quite make sense, but it was close to 40 minutes after sunset time. Just as I was driving away and up Water Street, but with windows down, started to hear some nearby vocalizations. Image below shows the amazing action at 41 minutes post sunset time.

Stopped the car and enjoyed an incredible and absolutely dazzling flight show overhead with the Crows circling multiple times and then heading off to the NE. Image below 5 minutes later as the action continued.

Checked the downtown area and sure enough, found the roosting Crows in trees in and around Colburn Park. The Colburn Park Historic District encompasses the heart of downtown Lebanon. It consists of Colburn Park, a large rectangular park in the center of the city, the buildings that are arrayed around it, and several 19th century buildings nearby. The district covers 12 acres. Colburn Park is located near the Mascoma River. Special thanks to the many locals providing advance suggestions: Lynn Zeltman, Dan Crook, Cynthia Nichols. Astounding 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

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