Tree top flight bursts!

March 7, 2023 under overcast, light snow, wind NW 12MPH with gusts 23MPH, temp 31F, sunset 5:41PM

On Crow Patrol along lower Marston Street by the main intersection with Crows arriving much earlier than normal, about 30 minutes before sunset time, and perching in hillside tree tops. Image at 10 minutes after sunset time.

Over the next 60 minutes there were an endless number of dramatic flight bursts with loops bringing the Crows back to the roost trees. Image at 18 minutes after sunset time.

They finally settled in along the trees at the very lower end of Marston Street. The flight action and loud vocalizations were dazzling! Image at 36 minutes after sunset time.

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. Please refer to our new roost counting guide on main page.

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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