Researchers for the Massachusetts Turnpike Autho
Post# of 5246
Posted On: 11/17/2013 9:32:11 PM
Researchers for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority found over 200 dead crows near
greater Boston recently, and there was concern that they may have died from Avian Flu.
A Bird Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to everyone's relief,
confirmed the problem was definitely NOT Avian Flu.
The cause of death appeared to be vehicular impacts.
However, during the detailed analysis it was noted that varying colors of paints appeared
on the bird's beaks and claws. By analyzing these paint residues it was determined that 98% of the
crows had been killed by impact with trucks, while only 2% were killed by an impact with a car.
MTA then hired an Ornithological Behaviorist to determine if there was a cause for the
disproportionate percentages of truck kills versus car kills.
The Ornithological Behaviorist very quickly concluded the cause:
when crows eat road kill, they always have a look-out crow in a nearby tree to warn
of impending danger.
They discovered that while all the lookout crows could shout "Cah", not a single one
could shout "Truck."
greater Boston recently, and there was concern that they may have died from Avian Flu.
A Bird Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to everyone's relief,
confirmed the problem was definitely NOT Avian Flu.
The cause of death appeared to be vehicular impacts.
However, during the detailed analysis it was noted that varying colors of paints appeared
on the bird's beaks and claws. By analyzing these paint residues it was determined that 98% of the
crows had been killed by impact with trucks, while only 2% were killed by an impact with a car.
MTA then hired an Ornithological Behaviorist to determine if there was a cause for the
disproportionate percentages of truck kills versus car kills.
The Ornithological Behaviorist very quickly concluded the cause:
when crows eat road kill, they always have a look-out crow in a nearby tree to warn
of impending danger.
They discovered that while all the lookout crows could shout "Cah", not a single one
could shout "Truck."
(0)
(0)