Flight action with Infrared!

Dec. 22, 2024: under clear skies, wind N 13MPH with gusts, temp 16F wind chill 3F; sunset time 4:14PM

Out on Crow Patrol with first looks along the both sides of the Merrimack River east of the Duck Bridge. First arrivals were seen streaming in from downriver just after sunset due to very cold temps. Endless flight streams were seen arriving mostly from the SE, flying over the Merrimack River and perching on riverside trees on north side. Image below at 26 minutes post sunset time.

Amid lots of vocalizing, the Crows packed into the north side trees and nearby rooftops. At 35 minutes post sunset time large swarms moved upriver and then swooping low to the water and in an almost stealth mode, across towards the roost trees on the east side of the Duck Bridge. Image below at 37 minutes post sunset time.

The Crows were orderly in converging into tight groups and clusters in the trees, wires, and on the ground in the New Balance parking lot along the south side with plenty of ambient lighting from the New Balance parking lot. Later we observed numerous smaller flight bursts out over the Merrimack River. Image below at 106 minutes post sunset time.

Another large grouping remained perched and vocalizing a bit in the sparse trees on the north side. The ambient lighting in this area is minimal. Image below at 108 minutes post sunset time.

A unexpected and totally stunning and loud flight burst erupted out and over the Merrimack River around 110 minutes post sunset time. It seemed like almost all of the roosting Crows rose up and off in this wild flight burst. Another dazzling night out!

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