From a former co-worker -
Dead Crows
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.
He 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!"
