There was one winter a couple years back that I was sure I was witnessing my very first crow parade. I was enthralled. Their social dynamic was beautifully evident. This was an amazing introduction to the world of crows.
What an engaging and beautifully crafted piece, Alix! Your words, paired with Patti’s breathtaking photography, truly bring the Springfield crow roost to life. It feels like a must-see experience! Thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge about these remarkable, intelligent birds! xo
Almost every morning between 5 and 7 AM, the crows in my harborside neighborhood, drop clams, mussels and scallops from 50+ feet up onto the flat roof of my building, to break the shells, to eat. I curse them… but on the other hand, I never need an alarm clock! I cannot figure out out where they’re getting their shellfish from. The mussels often grow on rocks, but scallops and clams? 😳 Now, after reading this, maybe they’re roosting in and then raiding the docks in New Bedford?
I did a quick bit of research. Crows by the coast routinely hunt for clams and scallops that have been exposed at low tide. (The shellfish are sometimes dead or partially open.) Then they drop them…on your roof. 😅
Fascinating!
James, thou art required to crow a tad bit more.
Loved reading your excellent piece Alix! So much to learn about crows - what amazing, smart (“glossy and rowdy”)creatures 🖤
What a wonderful post. Crows are fascinating.
Remarkable article and photos, thank you for this caw-out to the amazing crow!
There was one winter a couple years back that I was sure I was witnessing my very first crow parade. I was enthralled. Their social dynamic was beautifully evident. This was an amazing introduction to the world of crows.
What an engaging and beautifully crafted piece, Alix! Your words, paired with Patti’s breathtaking photography, truly bring the Springfield crow roost to life. It feels like a must-see experience! Thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge about these remarkable, intelligent birds! xo
Thank you, Sienna! I know you'll get there one day and you will be amazed!
Almost every morning between 5 and 7 AM, the crows in my harborside neighborhood, drop clams, mussels and scallops from 50+ feet up onto the flat roof of my building, to break the shells, to eat. I curse them… but on the other hand, I never need an alarm clock! I cannot figure out out where they’re getting their shellfish from. The mussels often grow on rocks, but scallops and clams? 😳 Now, after reading this, maybe they’re roosting in and then raiding the docks in New Bedford?
Hah! They are certainly clever enough to game the system...
I did a quick bit of research. Crows by the coast routinely hunt for clams and scallops that have been exposed at low tide. (The shellfish are sometimes dead or partially open.) Then they drop them…on your roof. 😅
I love the jays, too, Perry. (And they similarly get an unfounded rap as major nest robbers.)