Crows - I have a problem - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/25/2008 11:45:53 AM · #1

Yesterday my dog was barking outside my window and would not be quiet, I stuck my head out the window and she was looking at a crow on the ground and was barking at it, and the crow was alive. On its back wings stretched outwards trying to get my dog back. Obviously it was injured. I could hear LOTS of crows cawing, so I look up and I kid you not there must have been like 50-60 crows flying around, in the trees, on my roof.

Of course I freaked out, huslted my dog in, my husband took the crow near a tree and we went inside and watched. It just sat there, hopped around, cant fly and there were crows cawing ALL night.

Got up this morning, took the dogs out (on a leash as I didn't know where the crow was) and low and behold, the cawing starts, there are less birds but still my guess is about....20-25 of them flying around and in the tree(from what I could see). Injured bird nowhere in sight

I read that crows are smart birds. I don't know if this bird was injured before coming into the backyard, west nile (as they are one of the top affected), if my dog injured it, I don't know. I looked for the injured bird my guess is its hiding.

Has anyone had anything similar happen? (I feel weird even asking that question) I know the birds will go away, or will they stick around until their buddy can fly again?

strangeghost

Canon EOS-7D

05/25/2008 12:11:49 PM · #2

Groups of crows, by the way, are called a "murder."

(everything I need to know in life I learned on The Simpsons)

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/25/2008 12:18:56 PM · #3

Your best bet at this point is to report it to your local animal control agency (usually within the police department), SPCA, or animal rescue group. If there is West Nile virus in your area you should avoid touching the bird yourself.

Now, put in your longest lens and get some shots of distressed crows ...

05/25/2008 12:20:18 PM · #4

I know! My brother has my camera, he was shooting a wedding yesterday, and needed some backup equipment and since then:

I have missed a rodeo
missed a 'hay' dance in the street
missed the crows

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

05/25/2008 01:11:58 PM · #5

It sounds like you need a backup camera, like a good P&S.
I don't know what to say about the crows, except that what the General said sounds like good advice.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/25/2008 01:15:26 PM · #6

Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:

It sounds like you need a backup camera, like a good P&S.

Yeah, for the price of a decent lens you could get a Canon S5 IS and have near-dSLR capability ...

BeeCee

Nikon D40

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

05/25/2008 01:52:30 PM · #7

They may stick around, they may also attack and kill it.

I rescued one with a broken wing and took it to the local wildlife recovery center. As I figured, it was too badly injured to save but I couldn't just leave it for the neighbour's cat and at least its passing may have been a little easier.
(I also donated some supplies to the center in "payment")

Saw this in the parking lot on Philip's Island, Australia;

They were gathered around the body, not making a sound, not touching it, just quietly looking as if paying their last respects. After a while they just left.

(eta; and I agree with the General :) )

Message edited by author 2008-05-25 13:52:52.

05/25/2008 02:01:01 PM · #8

Well after searching my backyard I found it, and its dead. (big backyard) Crows are still around though, and caw'd up a storm when I was getting closer to it (its how I knew where to look). Poor thing.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/25/2008 02:04:27 PM · #9

Best to still report it. Perhaps to the county health department. If it is dead of disease, you don't want all the other crows getting infected.

05/25/2008 02:10:40 PM · #10

I did report it to my local animal control, and that was say two hours ago and they've yet to show up so they dont care.
The SPCA (which happens to be where I work) is closed and its just a spay/neuter clinic. So, I've bagged it, tagged it, and stuck it in a bin so that IF they do show up they can just take the whole thing (of if they don't it makes for easy disposal).

No I am not scared of dead things, yes I have moved it (using gloves and a bag) only because I don't want the dogs playing with it. Try keeping four dogs and three cats in a patio >.< won't work so I moved it myself

BUT I am still waiting for them to show up

Message edited by author 2008-05-25 14:19:52.