I have recently had the unpleasant experience of a crow using my bird bath as a feeding station. For several days in a row I have returned from work to find my birdbath bloody and filled with various bird, small mammal, and amphibian organs and body parts. I confirmed over the weekend that it is a very large crow (not a raven) and observed it bringing in a small rodent and a very large American toad (bigger than the rodent). The specimens left behind are not roadkill or carrion, but are fresh kill. The crow mainly eats in the treetop, but uses the birdbath to subdue and divide the prey from what it wants to eat, and what is left behind. I have pictures to prove it.
I have since moved the birdbath, but the crow keeps returning looking for it. I imagine it will move on eventually, but the sight of a crimson birdbath is a little too traumatic on the little ones, so I doubt I will use it anymore. I am wondering if this is a behavior observed by anyone else, or do I have a rogue crow in my neighborhood. I am well aware of them consuming roadkill and carrion, but I am not aware of them actively preying on live animals, or using birdbaths in this way. The birdbath was in for 3 days before it was used, and then it was used daily for 4 days before I took it down. Any insight or similar experiences are appreciated. Thanks, Deric Deuschle Biologist, Natural Resources Group SEH - St. Paul 651.490.2114
