While a murder is technically just a colourful collective noun for a large group of crows, a possible decline in the local crow population has some local birder watchers wondering where the birds have gone.
Although listed on the Environment Canada website as being a species on the increase, some bird enthusiasts in the Powell River area have noticed a decline in the number of northwestern crows over the last several years.
"I counted around 700 crows 15 years ago," said Clyde Berton, an avid bird watcher and former operator of Cranberry Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, "and now their numbers are way down."
Berton speculates that ravens eating crow eggs are possibly to blame, but the decline in crow population in recent years could also be due to larger numbers in the past.
"In the '70s, when logging increased, there was a greater number of spots for crows to nest in and their population increased," he said. "I would say they are probably approaching normal numbers now."
A participant in many local bird counts over the years, including National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count, which has run in Powell River since 1999, Berton said there could be many reasons for declining crow numbers.
Northwest crow figures for Powell River's Christmas count showed a decline, with almost 300 crows counted in 2011 as opposed to 180 crows in 2015.
Count organizer Heather Harbord said inclement weather during this year's count on Saturday, December 19, could be to blame for the low numbers.
"We did notice it was a low count year in general," said Harbord, "because the second half of the day turned out to be very stormy, so all the birds fled."
Local bird rescue specialist Merrilee Prior said she agrees that crow numbers are dwindling and that a disease called avian pox is to blame.
"It's a disease that just wipes out crows and ravens," said Prior. "People don't have to worry about it, but it just decimated the crows."
Prior said she first noticed birds dying of the disease four years ago and that crow populations at Willingdon Beach, Wildwood and Cranberry have declined significantly.
Although there is little research on the disease, which is similar to small pox, Prior said she has put a lot of work into understanding the pathology of the avian pox so she can help sick birds.
"A sick crow will just sit on the ground all fluffed up and weak," she said. "I have managed to save a few by bringing them in and feeding them to boost their immune system."
Prior said anyone finding a sick crow should cover it with a blanket, place it carefully in a covered box and call her at 604.483.9787.
