In recent years many wildlife species have steadily been adapting to habitat changes, often to the dismay of people who may be negatively affected by the particular species involved. Classic examples are deer, skunks, raccoons and crows. Now in some cases we can add coyotes to that list. And in some regions, black bears.
As has been mentioned in this column at different times, many species of what we consider “wild” animals are more than capable of becoming “semi-wild” animals, given the proper habitat enticements. Well, as increasingly more residents have relocated to our cities and suburbs, the habitat this creates proves to be more attractive to some species than can be found in the natural, undeveloped areas we often associate with wildlife.
If you’ve watched the steady growth in the sightings of various “wild” critters you see on or over your property, I’m pretty certain you can appreciate the transformation that has and is occurring. The huge number of crows we see in the sky at dawn and dusk is somewhat of a hint that these birds are far more at home—and better fed—residing near populated areas than they would be in more rural areas. Just about every city in the state, including Norwich, has tried assorted methods to discourage crows from residing inside the city limits. Most have not been successful or effective.
In fall and especially winter crows roost in large flocks often numbering in the thousands. Each day in late afternoon, the birds begin flying along fixed routes to pre-roost sites, gathering with other flocks and moving to the final roost. They may fly as far as 50 miles each day to join the roost. Once there, they quiet down and wait for dawn to fly back to their prime feeding territories.
Not only are crows one of the most intelligent of birds, but their ability to adapt to methods meant to drive them away is remarkable. The classic scarecrow approaches may work for a day or so but the crows rather quickly figure out any of these don’t represent any real danger and quickly return to their old habits and haunts.
Like other suburban or city wildlife, two things they find attractive in more developed areas are more readily available foodstuffs and security from many otherwise natural dangers. Whether it’s garbage, scraps scattered around fast food places or store parking lots, or residuals meant for other birds or squirrels. They’re not finicky about their diet as evidenced by them feeding on road kills or picking residuals from freshly spread cow manure.
The female lays 3 to 7 eggs that are bluish green with brown marks. Incubation is primarily done by the female with the male close by and sometimes feeding her. Incubation last about 18 days. The young are born blind and flesh colored. After about five days, their eyes open for the first time. Both parents feed the young, receiving help from previous years young. At five weeks of age the fledglings will leave the nest. The parents will continue feeding them for a while after leaving the nest.
Originally, crows were simply classified as unprotected varmints and could be shot anytime of the year. However, the U.S negotiated a 1918 treaty with the Mexican government to protect several species that move back and forth between the two countries. The treaty covers the entire major bird family Corvidae, which includes crows, ravens and jays. So without it necessarily being intended, in 1997 the DEC declared the crow a protected migratory species with limitations on how they can be hunted. The sport season for crows can be for no more than 124 days and can't occur during the peak breeding period in each state, which in our area is April and May.
Natural enemies of crows are owls, primarily the grey- horned and some of the larger hawks (red-tailed, red-shouldered and goshawks). The crows exhibit a cooperative defense behavior where they will often gang-up on or “mob” an enemy until it leaves the area. Many have heard the raucous sound of a large number of crows after a roosted owl one of the birds had spotted.
So the next time you find yourself muttering about those blasted crows, deer, raccoons, or skunks, remember that they probably wouldn't be there if it weren't for the great habitat and environment that we humans are providing them with these days.