As winter approaches, it is becoming more common to see large flocks of crows in the area flying back to their roost trees in the evening. A Cambridge charitable research reserve is hoping local residents will give the birds a second look and appreciate them for their intelligence and strong social bonds.
According to Jason Bracey who volunteers with RARE, in the winter, crows tend to abandon the areas where they nest and form large flocks, likely for protection from their enemies, such as great horned owls. These flocks can number in the hundreds and are becoming more of a common site in cities like Cambridge. During annual bird counts, they have been found to be the most common species in the area.
Mr. Bracey pointed out that these birds are very intelligent, and can learn and then share their knowledge with others of their kind. They form tight family bonds, and will protect one another. He further remarked that these huge flocks are not to be feared, but are actually a wonder of nature. A newsletter printing company can produce items to be mailed out to the public that let them know more about these intelligent creatures.
Kevin McGown, who is a crow expert from Cornell University, crows are likely drawn to urban areas in the winter because they tend to be a few degrees warmer than the surrounding rural spaces. As well, they have many large and tall trees for roosting, there are fewer predators and lots of food.
