Flight ribbons!

Feb. 7, 2023 under overcast skies, wind SE 5 MPH, temp 29F; sunset time 5:05PM

On Crow Patrol with initial stops all along Sutton Street, up and around the airport with Crows streaming and perching everywhere. Stopped at end of North Main Street and swarm of crows seen heading in flight towards overnight roost area a few minutes before sunset time.

Moved to Merrimack Street with view of the Merrimack river, Rt. 495 bridge, and the extended Prospect Hill area. Crows seen streaming in from downriver in an endless flight ribbon about 15-20 minutes post sunset time.

Crows arriving to the roost area seen perched in trees along the river below Marston Street and in hillside above Marston Street. This view is looking NNW from the south side of the Merrimack River at 22 minutes post sunset time.

Last stop about 90 minutes post sunset time and after dark had settled in. Looking NNW from south side of river with Crows all settled in for the night. 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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