Researchers for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority found over 200 dead crows near greater Boston recently, and there was concern that the may have died from Bird Flu or some other disease. A bird pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to everyone's relief confirmed the problem was definitely NOT disease. The cause of death appeared to be from vehicular impacts.
However, during the detailed analysis it was noted that various colors of paints and other residue appeared on the bird's beaks and claws. By analyzing these paint residue 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.
The 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."
However, during the detailed analysis it was noted that various colors of paints and other residue appeared on the bird's beaks and claws. By analyzing these paint residue 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.
The 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."
