Published: November 18, 2009 08:29 pm      

Bluefield a pit stop for migrating crows

BLUEFIELD — Hundreds of crows have taken a break during their winter migration to refuel during a pit stop in Bluefield.

In a scene eerily reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” hundreds upon hundreds of crows flock across the sky around Bluefield Avenue each evening at dusk.

Many who work at businesses along the avenue began noticing the huge flocks of crows in late October. Nearly three weeks later they’re still here.

“This time of year a lot of birds are migrating, especially crows,” Division of Natural Resources biologist Jeff Hajenga said. “Bluefield and East River Mountain are a main migration corridor for a lot of birds.”

Most migrating species start to move in September, Hajenga said, noting some will pause in an area with a food supply. “Some tend to linger in West Virginia longer than usual.”

Crows will use the food supplies — such as open trash cans or dumpsters — to refuel while heading south. “They will also feed along railroad tracks,” he said. “Grain does spill out, and it’s a resource they’re willing to use. Crows are very good at adapting to whatever environment they are in.”

Hajenga said the crows will roost at night, typically on east-facing slopes. “When sun hits in the morning they’ll uplift, feed during the day and come back to roost that night.”

East River Mountain is a primary migration corridor because birds can follow the ridge using natural updrafts created by the mountain. The birds can use these uplifts and upcurrents to “set their wings and fly south” without expending much energy, Hajenga said.

“It’s very energy efficient to them,” he said.

Hajenga said the crows will eventually fly south, but not until the weather turns colder — and stays cold.

“As long as they are finding food and nobody is really bothering them they will linger,” he said. “We always encourage people to keep trash contained and keep lids closed on dumpsters to discourage them from lingering.”

— Contact Samantha Perry at sperry@bdtonline.com