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The group Rochesterians for Crows started up earlier this week and they are now fighting to keep their feathered friends around.

For some the birds have been a pesky problem during Rochester winters, but for this group they mark the season's beauty.

"They can be a pest to certain people but to us, we think they are amazing," said Jay Schreiber.

Schreiber founded Rochesterians for Crows.

"I wanted to show City Council and the USDA, there are people out there that are for the crows," said Schreiber.

The group formed after the city budgeted $21,000 for USDA environmentalists to use non-lethal ways to scare away the massive flock of roosting crows this past week.

"We understand they are responding to disturbance calls from other residents and we get that but we would rather they be left alone completely," he said.

Over the past few days the group's facebook page has nearly 800 followers. Group members say their pro-crow cause is to stand up for the black birds and provide an opposing voice to the city's efforts to scare them out of town.

"We hope that when the birds do come back, city council will think twice before considering these measures again in the future and they will solicit more public input," said Saby Reyes-Kulkami, group member.

Reyes-Kulkami started an online petition collecting signatures to ensure that happens.
In less than a week he's collected 500 but he's aiming for more than 1,000 to turn in to City Council.

"Just trying to make sure they know there's folks out there that find the crows to be amazing," said Schreiber.

And while some are relieved the birds have since scattered, group members say they'll be waiting to welcome their return.

"It feels empty. It feels a little barren. It doesn't feel as active, it doesn't really feel as alive. The city doesn't really feel as alive," said Reyes-Kulkami.