Dec. 1, 2022 under overcast skies, wind W 10MPH, gusts 18MPH, temp 39F; sunset time 4:11PM

Out on Crow Patrol with initial stops around Prospect/Marston Sts. intersection. On most overcast night, and with heavy winds, the Crows arrive early. They settled in in the trees at lower end of Prospect with constant shifting towards trees along Marston Street. Arriving Crows were seen hovering in the wind above the trees before landing on a perching branch. This image at sunset time.

Numerous large scale flight bursts made for great watching. The vocalizations were loud and unruly especially with arriving Crows. This image at 15 minutes post sunset.

Again, went by the New Balance roost trees with another group of Crows well settled in for the night. This view is from the south end of the Duck Bridge on the west side showing the roost trees along the full length of the red brick building. An amazing night!

For the 2021 Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for the Andover Circle, this separate Crow Count was 12,250 Crows. In 2020, the CBC Andover Circle Crow Count was 15,200. 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 to carefully document our observations and to significantly increase reliability and accuracy of the presented numbers. 

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 1DX MK II with Canon EF Telephoto Zoom 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless with Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 L IS USM Lens

Sony AX700 4K HDR Camcorder

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Blog post and photos by Craig Gibson, 2022 Crow Patrol