Oct. 19, 2025: under mostly sunny, wind SE 5MPH, 66F; sunset time 5:55PM

Out on Crow Patrol with initial scouting stops at staging areas all along Merrimack Street and nearby side streets to observe incoming Crow flight streams. As usual, the arriving Crows to this final staging area, were seen on rooftops and edges, on the ground, and perched on utility wires. In addition there were ample vocalizations from both American Crows and Fish Crows. This aerial view shows the ground around the National Grid substation facility.

The biggest buildup was along both sides of Merrimack Street just west of the New Balance building. The Crows were on rooftops, utility wires, and on the ground and our pioneering work with aerial imaging provides a significant jump in sizing up and counting Crows in each location. The view below shows the west end of the former B&D Advanced warehousing building.

At close to 20 minutes after sunset time they started to lift off in flight with many converging into the National Grid substation, the New Balance roof, and converging into the nearby overnight roost trees. This has been the normal time for movement closer to and into the overnight roost trees. This view below shows the buildup of Crows on the north side of New Balance roof, before they drop into the roost trees below.

It’s often that we have a glimpse of the natural beauty and extraordinary sunset colors on display above the Merrimack River in this location. This aerial view from above the Duck Bridge shows the sunset view over the river looking west! Another great night!

For the 2024 Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for the Andover Circle (MAAN), the separate Crow Count was a total 12,550 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 crow 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 Wayne Petersen, the New England Regional Editor for the CBC, full support from Geoff  LeBaron, 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 substantial input from Geoff LeBaron, 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, 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