[LINK] On the murder of crows in Burnaby, B.C.

[rfmcdonald]

Susan Lazaruk's Postmedia News article at the National Post looks at the reasons why crows keep congregating in one particular place in the British Columbia community of Burnaby.

Birdwatchers are fascinated by the Burnaby roost, the dusk-to-dawn home during the fall and winter for an estimated 3,000 to 6,000 crows that covers about a block-and-a-half area around Still Creek. Butler said they’ve been congregating there since the 1970s.

On a recent evening while awaiting the crows, Matthews sang their praises: They’re far more human-like than any other birds. They mate for life. They tend to live in loose family groups in complex social structures. Their offspring help to raise younger siblings before they’re ready to mate on their own.”

They can fashion ­rudimentary tools to help them get at a food source. And it’s believed they can communicate with one another — but not much is known about how.

“I try to explain to people who complain about them that they’re just like us,” said Matthews. “They’re not a gang. They’re a family, raising their children, just like you.”
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As the sun set, the birds’ distinctive caws were heard before the crows were seen. Within minutes, large flocks blackened the sky and eventually settled down on branches and almost every inch of the power lines stretched out for blocks. They stood guard like black gargoyles in ­orderly rows along every available fence and rooftop. Some roamed along the ground, pecking hopefully for a bedtime snack.