University of Michigan Mobbed by Crows
A group of crows is called a "murder", and the University of Michigan has been dealing with them for years. They are now dealing with almost 15,000 crows taking over their campus.It is very common for crows to gather into large groups in the winter, to share body heat at night and to protect each other from attack during the day. For them, the university campus is an ideal resting ground, providing wind break with the many buildings, and countless opportunities for food from students and faculty.
It's not really that there are more crows around now than there were in the past. It's more that crows are very opportunistic. Instead of gathering in farmyards and watching for grain, they find it much easier to hang out in semi-urban areas where predators are few and the food findings are great.
The University of Michigan is attempting many non-lethal means to convince the crows to congregate elsewhere. Their techniques range from explosive fireworks to other noise-creating devices. Unfortunately, the birds learn quickly that there is no real threat, and the sit-in continues.
1997 University of Michigan Crow Report
1999 University of Michigan Crow Report
Crow Photos and Information
Encyclopedia of Birds - Descriptions and Photos
Note: I originally wrote this content while I edited the site at birding.bellaonline.com. That site has permission to show my content.
Birding Help Hints Tips and Information