Showing posts with label Fish Crow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fish Crow. Show all posts
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Sunday, March 26, 2023
Sunday, November 13, 2022
Monday, August 23, 2021
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: Fish Crow
A coastal corvid that favors waterfronts on the eastern and southern coasts, the Fish Crow comes inland more often as the years pass. The only way to really know the difference between this crow and the American Crow, is the higher pitched voice, and it tends to vocalize what sounds like "nuh-uh." It is also a little smaller than the American Crow, but unless the two are next to one another, it is impossible to tell, unless the voice comes into play. Juvenile American Crows can be heard from late spring through August to September, and they can sound like an adult Fish Crow. They usually tend to be near a nesting site with adults in the area.
Less widespread than its larger cousin, who will summer in Canada, it doesn't fear humans and is frequently found in semisuburban regions. It is also more tolerant of being photographed. If actually compared between the two species the legs are shorter and the upper feathers have more pronounced body to them. There is also a distinctive hook to the bill. The tail is slightly longer and they seem to hover and soar more than the American Crow would. If observed in flight and on foot, it appears to have a boa around the neck through posturing of the body. Feathers also appear glossier, with a greenish or blue tinge.
Boomer Creek
March 2016
Expect them to be in areas where known heron rookeries are present, for they enjoy their eggs and nestlings, which is likely why they are found in Stillwater frequently during heron nesting season. They cluster around Meridian Technology, Sanborn Lake, and Boomer Lake Park.
They appear to be showing range expansion in both the north and east, and they tend to breed from April through June.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
The Champions of Boomer Lake
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Lark Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Mallard Pair
Carolina Chickadee
Fish Crow
Swamp Sparrow
Male Northern Cardinal
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Blue-winged Teal Pair
Canada Goose
Female Downy Woodpecker
Pied-billed Grebe in Breeding Plumage
45-64 degrees F/25 mph S wind gusts/0735-1120 hrs./partly cloudy
These were photos over the three days, and a good part of them represented the deep woods of Boomer Creek. The denizens of the creek have been getting to know me over a period of time, as this vigil is preparatory to spring when the wood warblers spend a little time with us, then
head for the northern states to breed.
Songbirds are well represented here, even on such windy days that we have experienced, today by far the worst of the past several. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many birds out, and it was well worth the trek, especially in the northern parts of my Land of Enchantment.
Woodpeckers are working on diligently on cavities, as are many other birds, who are awaiting the strong call of spring. I have actively been seeking out active cavities, and with any luck, I hope to find at least one that will show me some youngsters. Wish me well, and we will hope for the best.
Here's to spring, now that it is here, and may it be bountiful for us all.
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