Observations:
These are my suggestions for making and recording observations. If you would like to approach this in a different way, let me know, we'll design something.
This form of observational record is called an ethogram. It should allow us to put together a basic time budget, and also give us an idea of the density and activity of mated pairs on our campus.
Here is an example of how I would suggest you organize your data:
| Nest | Date | Time | Behavior Category | Notes/Details |
| ts3 | 4/20 | 2:00 | -- | no crows visible |
| 2:15 | arrive | 2 crows arrive from north, land on ground south of nest tree | ||
| 2:20-2:30 | forage | crow 1 forages, eats what it finds | ||
| 2:20-2:30 | vigilance | crow 2 perches on tree, looks around | ||
| 2:30 | forage | crow 1 picks up food, flies to tree | ||
| 2:35-2:40 | nesting | crow 2 breaks off twig, flies higher into nest tree | ||
| etcetera! |
Here are some suggested "umbrella" behavior categories:
forage (eating for themselves)- if you can see what they are eating, and HOW they are eating, make a note of it. By how, I mean... do they have to open something to get to the food (ie, garbage, peanut, etc.), do they pick up the food and fly away with it before eating, etc.
feeding nestlings/fledglings- if you can see what they are bringing, make a note of it.
vigilance (perched on tree looking around)
defense (chasing away you, hawks, other crows, etc)
nesting (collecting nest material, building or maintaining nest)
interaction/allopreening (mated pair interact physically)
arrive- fly into the area, not necessarily to the nest. Make a note of where they arrive. If you can, make a note of what direction they fly in from.
leave- fly away from the area, beyond your view. If you can, make a note of what direction they fly to.
vocalize (this may be associated with other behaviors, like defense or interaction)
other- anything you are unsure about. Just be sure to include a description. Descriptions, by the way, should NOT include any interpretation of intent (that is, don't try to assume that you know what the crows want); just describe the actual behavior/movements that you see.
Other things to keep in mind
Whenever you see any crow activity, make a note of it, even if the crows do not visit a specific nest.
Be sure to note how many adult crows you see in the same place at once; and, be sure to note whether they seem to be interacting/foraging together/moving together.
Check back here! If I think of anything else that might be helpful, or after you all communicate with me with suggestions, I will put that information here. I'll also send out an email to let you know.