A Murder of Crows at Springfield Armory NHS

Date: January 14, 2013
Contact: Joanne Gangi-Wellman, [phone]

SPRINGFIELD MA - Experience a different side of Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Step outside the Museum and see hundreds of American Crows roosting in the trees. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton MA, is partnering with Springfield Armory NHS in a two part program about the fascinating behavior of American crows. Patti Steinman, Education Program Director at the Sanctuary will lead the event on Sunday, February 10, from 3pm to 6pm. Admission is free.

First, visitors will learn of the natural history of crows, their unique intelligence, and how Armory grounds draw the birds to roost - behavior essential to their lives. Using a dynamic audio-visual presentation, Steinman will demonstrate why crows are considered to be one of the smartest birds in the world. In the second part of the program, visitors will car pool to local sites to look for flying crows in search of other roosting locations.

Supervisory Park Ranger Joanne M. Gangi-Wellman says, "Learn the mystery of why these magnificent birds choose to visit Armory trees along with several other locations in Springfield and nearby communities.It's truly amazing to hear the cacophony of hundreds of birds expressing the natural phenomenon of roosting."

Participation in the program affords visitors a chance to explore and understand broader aspects of the 55- acre National Historic Site.Gangi-Wellman points out, "So often the public's understanding of Armory history is limited to its role manufacturing military firearms.Alongside the National Park Service's "Get Outside" initiative, this event offers an excellent opportunity to showcase the Park's expansive grounds and rich natural history that often goes unseen." On Saturday, February 3, the program will be presented at the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton, MA.

Springfield Armory National Historic Site commemorates and preserves the site of our Nation's first armory, established in 1794. As a unit of the National Park Service, the Visitor Center, Museum, buildings, and grounds are open daily, 9am - 5pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.Admission is free. To browse our website, go to www.nps.gov/spar, or call us at: 413-734-8551. Explore all of your National Parks at www.nps.gov

-NPS-