ES Connected

Ah, spring, a lovely time of year. The flowers are blooming, the sun is out, and you’ve just read our separate post on bike safety so you’re gearing up for a cycling trip to the park. But beware, murders are in the wind! Crow murders that is. First tip about crows, a group of crows is called a murder. April to July is nesting season for crows. And like human parents, they can be quite protective of their young. After hatching, baby crows will spend about a month in their nest before venturing out. Fledglings will flutter between branches and hop on the ground below to build up their flight muscles. As they are quite vulnerable during this time, their parents will protect their young by any means possible. If you hear crows cawing in a tree in the spring, avoid walking near that tree as they may very well have a nest with a baby inside. Don’t be like Alexis Watts, AC extraordinaire, who walked underneath such a tree only to be given a very memorable warning from the protective parents. If you must pass under a crow’s nest, have an umbrella handy to use as a shield if need be. Adult crows will scold, swoop, and dive-bomb humans and other animals to ward them off. Alexis was “thumped in the back of the head” by anxious crow parents. If you find yourself surrounded on all sides with towering trees, the rustling of leaves, and a cacophony of crows within the branches, you may be inclined to fall to the ground and hide until spring passes. But fear not! The Health and Safety Committee of Brock Hall has your back. Here are our handy tips on how to avoid parental attacks from murders of crows.

It’s time. Time for spring and cycling! With better weather, cycling becomes a more desirable alternative as a means of transportation. No more engine exhaust and crowded roadways. Take to the streets with the power of your own two legs propelling you! With Bike to Work Week starting on May 27^th, we thought we’d share some helpful tips for novice and expert cyclists alike. “Always keep your eyes open.” The roads can be a dangerous place for a cyclist. Not just because of cars, buses, and trucks, but also because of other cyclists! Not all cyclists are alike, and some can move in more unpredictable ways that others, so it’s always a good idea to keep your eyes open to your surroundings. If you’re biking early in the morning, in the wee hours before 7 am, keep your eyes peeled for motorists racing red lights. This usually occurs when there are fewer people on the roads and at fast speeds, they don’t always see cyclists. As such, sometimes other people may need a bit of help to see you. “Be visible.” Whether the weather be bright, or whether the weather be night, be visible. Wear a reflective bike jacket and reflective pants. Install an inexpensive light on your bike. One of our resident pro cyclists in admissions encourages you to cycle with care, but also with confidence. Here are her tips for cyclists of any level:

• Always assume a parked car door will open; keep your distance to avoid being wacked.
• Do not ride close to the curb because you are afraid of passing cars. Your path may become unexpectedly interrupted by potholes or debris, and can cause a tumble.
• Never assume a moving vehicle or pedestrian can see you. Make eye contact or even wave at them to communicate.
• Keep your distance from large vehicles such as trucks, as their ability to see you is limited.
• Try not to use headphones. Even though music or a podcast can be fun to listen to while you ride, it cuts off one of your most important assets, your ears. Your hearing helps you understand your surroundings and informs you of any potential dangers.