March 29, 2011 - 8:01pm
Experts anticipate large influx of crows on campus during spring migration
BY NEHA GARG
The ominous crows that inundated campus during the winter may soon be returning this spring season as the birds relocate to their nesting territories for breeding.
Sherri Smith, member of the Washtenaw Audubon Society, wrote in an email interview that she anticipates that more than 18,000 birds will be traveling through Ann Arbor until the end of May in their pursuit northward following their southern winter migration.
Robert Payne, professor emeritus of zoology at the University, wrote in an email interview that in addition to birds that are native to the Ann Arbor area, transitional seasons bring a multitude of birds from other parts of the nation to the community
“In winter (the Ann Arbor crows) are joined by an influx of outsiders,” he wrote.
There have been various concerns regarding the safety of individuals, but both Payne and Smith assured that the crows do not pose as a threat to the people.
“They have little impact on the ecosystem except whitewashing some cars and roofs, and cleaning spilled pizza from street sides,” Payne wrote.
Smith wrote that in many cases it is not humans who are at risk, but rather the birds themselves since the birds are prone to crashing into lit windows and power lines while flying at high speeds.
Residents have been advised to keep their curtains closed at night so that the migrating birds can continue to have a safe passage without being distracted by lights.
According to Smith, crows migrate together in order to protect each other. By traveling in large groups, a bird will always be awake to warn the others from dangerous predators like the Great Horned Owl.
Smith added that flying in mass allows crows the find potential mates.
“I personally think that it is a good way for young crows to meet up with other young crows of the opposite sex,” Smith said.
Additionally, Payne wrote that for added security, the birds usually shift their sleeping sites from one place to another.
