Prospect Hill views

March 1, 2023 under overcast skies, wind SE 7MPH, temp 38F, sunset time 5:33PM

On Crow Patrol with first stop around water tower on Prospect Hill to observe incoming Crows. Next stop was at the very rear of the Geisler Pool complex as endless incoming flight streams were arriving onto the tree tops around the extended overnight roost area. Image at 24 minutes after sunset time.

Like most nights, we had a few dramatic flight bursts accompanied by boisterous vocalizations.

At 45 minutes after sunset time, moved down to lower Marston Street for looks from down below with a number of extraordinary flight bursts! This image at 53 minutes post sunset time.

There were a number of later flight bursts before all settled down for the night. This image at 56 minutes post sunset time. Amazing action!

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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