Jan. 30, 2023 under overcast skies, wind E 5MPH, temp at 42F; sunset time 4:55PM

On Crow Patrol with first stop to scout out nearby final staging location to the east; massive buildup of staging Crows in all deciduous trees on south side of Merrimack River, and mostly along Riverview Street, with wild vocalizations. Observed a major flight upsurge after a northbound train rolled by. Image one minute post sunset time.

Headed over to lower Marston Street and near entry to Marston Medical building. Incoming flight streams came rolling in about 25 minutes after sunset time. Image at 22 minutes post sunset time.

As the roost built up in size, we had a small number of flight bursts out over Marston Street and back to the roost. Image at 35 minutes post sunset time.

By 40 minutes after sunset time, the vocalizations largely subsided and the movement within the roost tapered off. Image at 41 minutes post sunset time. Another spectacular night!

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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