Saturday, August 3, 2013

Crow Mystery Solved

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, it was confirmed that 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. 
The conclusion was that while all the lookout crows could say "Cah", none could say "Truck." That, my friend, is the best piece of knowledge I will be passing out today.

(A special thanks to my Dad for sharing this very enlighting email with me.  Yeah.  Thanks.)

2 comments:

A Joyful Chaos said...

Thanks for the chuckle!

Anonymous said...

Too funny! say, when do you start school? Would live to see pics if your classroom!
Hugs,
Shellee