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.
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."
Road Kill
Moderator: Bootsy