17 October 2024
The crows are again on the town!
On 1 October I counted 1,800 crows staging in Shadyside earlier than they flew west to a roost. Final night time I counted twice as many heading towards the Cathedral of Studying. 3,600 is just a fraction of the flock that might be in Pittsburgh by the top of December. As their numbers develop they rapidly put on out their welcome. Then they’ll transfer the roost.
In transit a flock this massive is form of mesmerizing (video from Dec 2023).
But when they sleep in your bushes they’re actually messy.
On Monday I noticed Pitt’s upkeep employees spray-washing the sidewalk on Bigelow Blvd and I discovered “poot” proof throughout the road as properly. I’m certain Pitt is on the verge of shifting them alongside, in the event that they haven’t already finished so.
Final 12 months Pitt used flashing lights to persuade the crows to go away the Bigelow Blvd bushes. Crows actually hate strobe lights.
I think there have been strobe lights final night time as a result of … When the crows sleep close to the Cathedral of Studying I dwell of their nightfall and daybreak flyway. Final night time 1000’s flew previous my window however this morning none of them made the return journey. So the crows didn’t sleep at Pitt. I’m wondering the place they went.
This tug of warfare with winter crows occurs yearly. They could find yourself the place all can sleep with out bothering anybody, or they may cut up the roost to scale back their impression. One factor I do know for certain. The crows might be arduous to search out for the Christmas Chicken Depend. 😉
UPDATE 17 Oct, 1:30pm: The crows *did* sleep within the bushes at Pitt. I noticed the proof this morning.
