Residents in Ottawa’s Alta Vista neighbourhood are doing a lot more looking up these days, as tens of thousands of crows fill the winter sky, delighting some residents and frustrating others. Over the past several days, the birds have been seen flying in massive flocks over homes and settling into neighbourhood trees at dusk, creating a spectacle that many residents have been quick to film and share. For Catherine Campbell, the sudden influx has been a welcome surprise. “I always thought they just went over to the General Hospital area,” she says. “Now I see them in the neighbourhood, congregating in a few trees. It’s fascinating.” Others echo that sense of appreciation, saying the birds bring a rare connection to nature during the colder winter months. “It’s beautiful,” says resident Sophie Gosselin. “I’m from the country, so seeing nature – especially during cold weather when we’re stuck inside — it feels good.” William McKenna says crows typically arrive toward the end of fall, but not in numbers like this, and not so close to homes. “Late November, December – that’s when they start coming in,” he says. “But for the last week or two, they’ve been roosting right here in the trees.” According to Environment Canada, crows gather in large groups during winter months for warmth and protection. Residential neighbourhoods can be particularly appealing, offering tall mature trees, fewer predators, and easy access to food sources. While many residents are enjoying the sight, others say the impact on their day-to-day lives is hard to ignore. “It’s a love-hate relationship,” says Janice Hayes. “Especially when I see my car in the morning.” Hayes says the accumulation of crow droppings has become a concern, particularly with snowfall covering sidewalks and driveways. “I love birds, but this is absolutely highly unusual,” she adds. “It’s kind of dangerous with kids out playing, I don’t want them gone — I just want them to move on.” Ward Coun. Marty Carr says her office has received numerous messages and videos from residents – some expressing wonder, others concern. “We’re lucky to have this kind of nature in our community,” Carr said. “Most residents feel that way, they’re just frustrated by the current situation, especially the extra excrement and reports of dead birds.” Some residents say they have seen multiple dead crows in snowbanks. Carr says the city does not have any deterrence programs in place for crows in urban areas. Experts note that crows are not the only birds to skip migration, but they are among the loudest and most visible. As temperatures fluctuate and food sources change, the flock are expected to gradually disperse. It is uncommon for the murder to return to the same roosting site.
