Barbara
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Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)
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The urban crows do seem to be eating discarded food. We urban areas with established green spaces and forests, so I would guess they are nesting near those wooded areas. So far, people mostly ignore them as they have not become a nuisance in our area. Pigeons are the nuiscance birds in our area, and I wonder if that is what keeps the crows from forming large flocks in area.
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1. The crows in my area do appear to be healthy.Personally, I have not seen evidence of West Nile Virus, but have been made aware through a wildlife rescue that Avian Bird Flu is highly contagious and on the rise in our area. 2. I have not witnessed agression between crows. The group I observe is a family group that is often times hanging out together and running off a red tail hawk that lives in the area.
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1. The level of threat to crows from inbreding is probably relatively low, but may also serve as a polpulation control mechanism. As states in Ms. Townsend's article, inbreeding did lead to increased vulnerability to mortality from disease. 2. Extra pair fertilization is not suprising to me, as I learned about it in my evolution class. This could be beneficial it helps to diversify the genetic pool of the population.
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All in all, I think crows have an easier time to become a breeder. Between their longevity and lack of long distance migration, they have more time and energy to breed during their lifespan.
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1) While I have not seen crows roosting in our area, I have seen red wing black birds. They usually arrive in mid-December and are gone by mid-Feb. I suspect they have chosen our local cemetery due the trees along the grassland and the creek. They can forage in nearby grassy areas and then easily return to the roost at night. 2) Using the red wings as my example, when I see the groups coming to roost, I am fascinated by how quiet a large group can get when night falls.
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I have not experienced a large flock of crows, but I have observed a large flock of red-wing blackbirds. They gather in groups of 50-200+ at our local cemetery. They seem to forage in the grassy areas and will overtake any bird feeders that are near the cemetery.
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1) A family of crows has lived in our neighborhood for years. One thing I have noticed is their defense of the nest from intruders. 2)I find it amazing that crows live in obvious family groups year after year. 3) In order to decrease the spread of WNV we need to decrease the population of mosquitos by eliminating standing water where possible.
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I did not realize that the birds wore multiple identifiers. I am sure getting good visuals on the nests is not an easy task. Would use of a drone be more feasible?
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I am gaining more confidence with this class. Head shape, tail length and eye color are also helpful indentifiers. Seeing videos of different flight styles would be super helpful, but I understand those may be difficult to acquire.
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1) Chipmunks and squirrels eat more songbird nestlings than do crows, at least here in Georgia. Additionally, if you are concerned about song birds populations, make sure to take into consideration those that we impacting during migration season by leaving our lights on at night. 2) While walking in my neighborhood, I have heard and seen crows in one particular area, going on several years now. 3) Pretty sure I have never seen a raven. Going forward I will be looking for them when I travel. 4) I do not know specifically how crows can be a benefit to other animals, but considering that the basic biology includes the concept of the "Web of Life", I am sure they must be connected to other animals in their habitat.
Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)