Subject: [Tweeters] Crow freeways and ant mounds
Date: Oct 31 14:15:20 2005
From: Brett Wolfe - m_lincolnii at yahoo.com


You likely saw crows participating in what is known as "anting", where a crow will position itself over an anthill and allow ants to scramble amongst its feathers, sometimes even picking up an ant and smearing it over its feathers. This is thought (by some scientists) to either allow the ants to help remove any parasites, or to allow the folic acid in ants bites to get on the feathers and help ward off small parasites, or both. It is interesting to watch, and crows are not the only birds who partake of this activity.

Brett A. Wolfe
Seattle, WA
m_lincolnii at yahoo.com


BobnBernie <BobnBernie at comcast.net> wrote:
There has been a few posts about crows flying to roosting areas in the evening. No one has mentioned the large concentration in the north Kent valley. In years past we saw them roost on the metal roof of a large industrial building the West side of E Valley Rd. It is North of the new theatre complex near the SW 43rd St exit. We frequented a business just South of it and were amazed at the numbers. They came from all directions. The business is no longer there so we have less reason to be in that area. I am not sure if the metal building is there and if they still use it.

We visit the Black River Riparian Forest about once a week. The days that we stay until dusk we see a large flight of crows passing through heading South. I am not sure if they go as far as the building I am referring to or not. It is about 5 miles further South. We have other interests in the area. We will try to make the next trip at dusk to confirm what we are saying.

Now for the ant hills. About a week ago we were traveling North on 167 at dusk. On the right side of the ramp to North 405 we saw large ant mounds made of sticks and what ever else they pile up. The crows we see at Black River were passing through this area which is just a little South. Some were on the ground on or near the mounds. By the time we realized what we were seeing it was to late to stop. It is about a 15 mile round trip back to that spot. We didn't think they would still be there because it would be too dark by the time we got back, depending on traffic.

That is another trip we will plan. It is on the way home from the roost area I described but if we stayed there long enough to confirm them roosting, it might be to late to see them at the interchange. I ask anyone who travels that area at dusk to confirm what we saw. The mounds are almost midway on the ramp just before the concrete wall begins from what I remember. If you are near the roost area at dusk, please check that as well.

Robert Meyer
Renton
Mailto:BobnBernie at comcast.net
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