I read in The Tribune that the Migratory Bird Act of 1918 governs the treatment of crows. Not exactly true. The act was for whooping cranes and birds that travel to breeding areas in southern states and Mexico.
In the 1970s, someone saw a flock of Crows flying, and declared them migratory. Crows are not migratory in the sense of the 1918 act.
Crows are omnivores, which means they eat almost everything — including eggs from songbirds. The meadowlark was decimated by the crow. Bird flu reduced the crow by large numbers. Meadowlarks are back. Crows are coming back and I fear for the meadowlark.
Crows like towns with their tall buildings. These buildings have ledges and decorative things that attract birds. Our Government Center has these, plus fire sprinkler pipes that are exposed, which birds love to perch on. The elevator tower for the parking garage has these. If you go look, say “Shoo!” first before you look up. Gravity prevails and the poop drops on the walkways.
Perhaps the architects need to design buildings with bird droppings in mind. Three flocks of Crows came over today and a couple of rounds from the 12-gauge sent those flocking birds back to town. Much rather listen to the sweet sound of a meadow lark than the caw of a crow.
— Bill Hoffrage,
Madera