Every December in Rochester, NY, thousands of crows gather in the city, prompting officials to use loud noises and bright lights to deter them.
Rochester, New York, is a city that truly comes alive during the holiday season. From Santa’s workshop at the outdoor ice rink to the lighting of the pyramid of kegs at the local brewery, there is no shortage of festive activities to enjoy. The city is also home to productions of classic holiday shows like “A Christmas Carol” and “The Nutcracker.”
However, one unique aspect of Rochester’s holiday season is the arrival of tens of thousands of crows that descend on the city every day at dusk in early December. City officials and wildlife experts estimate that upwards of 20,000 crows roost downtown every night, creating a scene reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s film “The Birds.”
The presence of these crows is a result of the birds seeking warmth in the city’s urban environment after foraging in fields. Despite a past outbreak of West Nile virus that decimated the American crow population, these birds continue to flock to Rochester in large numbers.
This phenomenon is not unique to Rochester, as other urban centers across the country also experience large roosts of crows during the winter months. Cities like Albany, Auburn, and Poughkeepsie in upstate New York, as well as Danville, Illinois, and Portland, Oregon, have all reported similar occurrences.
To address the issue of the large crow population in Rochester, the city has employed scare tactics to drive the birds away. Since 2012, the city has hired specialists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to chase and haze the crows using fireworks and lasers as part of their annual Yuletide ritual.
Overall, the presence of the crows adds a unique and somewhat eerie element to Rochester’s holiday season, making it a memorable experience for both residents and visitors alike.
Source: The NY Times
