Feb. 6, 2023 under partly cloudy, wind N 12MPH, temp 46F; sunset time 5:04PM

On Crow Patrol with initial scouting looks at staging locations around the airport from baseball field on Incinerator Road. Next stop on east side of 360 Merrimack Street next to the Rt. 495 Bridge with open views of the Merrimack River and south end of Prospect Hill. Image looking NW from south side of Merrimack River captured at 14 minutes post sunset time.

Major flight streams came charging in, over the Rt. 495 bridge towards the roost area, from downriver about 15 minutes after sunset time.

The Crows swarmed over the roost area trees, against spectacular sunset sky colors. Looking NW from south side, image at 16 minutes post sunset time.

The Crows also streamed back and forth between the roost trees and the rooftop areas on the south side of the river along the Riverwalk complex. Image at 17 minutes post sunset time. Had to depart early, but a dazzling show!

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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