My friend, the American Crow

Posted by Rosemary Drisdelle May 17, 2006

Have you had any interesting bird watching experiences lately? You might be interested in my recent article on Birding Ethics.

In my last blog post, I mentioned that I momentarily mistook an Osprey for a Crow (an American Crow). Around here, any large black bird is probably a crow. We have big flocks of them. During the day, we see them around in small groups - they patrol the streets, and are particularly busy on garbage day! Occasionally, one visits my platform feeder, though it never seems quite sure what it's doing there.

In the evening, at sunset, they get together: you can see them moving in a steady stream, like Sunday morning worshippers headed for church, all flying in roughly the same direction. You know they are congregating, somewhere, for the night.

I've not seen the congregation in spring, but I've seen it a few times in fall. There are a few trees that they seem to frequent, close to the water. They gather until every inch of every branch and twig is occupied, and the air is full of a rustling and fluttering, with the occasional caw. A few will fly up above the tree, then settle back. The overall effect is spooky in the dusk: a tree leafed out in huge black leaves, barely visible, and rustling like plastic bags on a clothesline.

In the morning, just before sunrise, we hear the crow chorus. They carry on for quite a while, and presumably head out as soon as it's light to begin their daily chores. A lot of people are annoyed by the dawn chorus of crows, but I enjoy it - it reminds me of the tree with the black leaves and sends a little shiver up my spine. This spring, it seemed to be coming from a shoreline location near the bus stop where I wait, but it was always too dark to see exactly where: by the time the sun is up, they are gone.

I've been told that the crows mass together for protection whenever an owl is about, but I think there's a little more to it than that. I've never seen an owl in the city, but the crows seem to gather regularly. I suppose it's good practice to take precautions, whether you see the enemy or not. Perhaps I'll see if I can find out more for an upcoming article on Crows.

Read a first-hand story of a pet crow: Ralph, an Unforgettable Pet Crow