NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — An errant crow apparently caused a power outage that affected nearly 7,000 National Grid customers on Saturday morning.
While the utility company can't confirm for sure it was the bird, a crow was found at the North Adams substation, said National Grid spokeswoman Jackie Barry.
"Crows, sometimes when they alight or take off different parts of their body touch different parts of energized equipment and it can arc," she said, because of their size and wingspan. "There was no damage to the equipment but it shut off a number of breakers that are connected to three lines that serve Williamstown and North Adams."
The breakers flipped at about 10:30, affecting customers in North Adams' West End, Williamstown and south along the west side of Route 7, according to the company's power outage map. The outage lasted about 45 minutes.
The utility does put in animal deterrents but they can find their way in, said Barry, particularly squirrels.
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Gotta love iberkshires for being on the ball and getting this story up so fast! thanks!
To L Perry's point ... the opposite is likely to happen. I wonder how much National Grid guys make for overtime on a Saturday when they're called to take care of this. The little fried crow incident probably cost several hundred dollars in overtime. Do they get a four-hour minimum?
I once lived in the Berkshires, now live in New Hampshire. In the last 2 years I have lost my power for weeks at a time. Do not complain about 45 minutes!!!!!!
Don't know about anyone else but these crows are becoming quite the nusanace in many parts of the City. They have grown to an enormous amount. Wait 'til Spring, you'll get wake up calls about 4am. I hate the damn things. Wish there was something that can be done to get rid of them.
Any ideas? Maybe if enough of these incidents happen the authorities will do something about it?
@Liz I to once lived in the berkshires and live in NH as well.Ive been here since 2004.And Last Feb we lost power for 5 days.I can't believe someone would even think about asking the electric company for accomidations.45 Minutes is nothing compaired to how often we lose it up here.
To Well Done Crow: Right on! Rather than pay those guys a 4 hr min to come in and restore your power on a Sat morning, tell them to stay home! You wouldn't mind using candles and cooking on a fire in your yard till they come in on Mon morning.
Way to go genius....the damn crows are twice the size of a cat. Now there's an intelligent thought. Maybe a 12 gauge and some #2 birdshot would solve the problem. Although it is tough to do living in the city. Here's a thought, move to the country with the fisher cats and bears. They're more entertaining.
The 45th edition of Lenox's signature fall festival features more than 100 artisan and food vendors, live music, family activities, and a full street fair experience in downtown Lenox.
The festival is free to attend and will include a day of family fun with music, food and a kids carnival, as well as musical performances throughout downtown.
Eastern States Exposition West Springfield
Through Oct. 4
The Big E is the region's biggest fair with live entertainment, a midway, circus, exhibits, parades, booths, food, agricultural competitions, and presentations by each of the New England states.
Stock up on reading material for the winter: Books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, games, and baked goods. Proceeds benefit the public library.
Friday
Fall Migration for Beginning Birders
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
7-8:30 a.m.
This beginner-friendly walk focuses on bird-finding tips, simple identification cues, and observing bird behavior. The Pike's Pond Loop — a mostly flat trail with accessible features — offers a beautiful scenic view of both the pond and Yokun Ridge in the distance.
American Stories Curator Talks: Service and Sacrifice
Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge
9:30 a.m.
Chief Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett will describe how during times of war artists and illustrators have worked as reporters, makers of propaganda, and mythmakers. This session will consider the ethical responsibilities of artists, including Norman Rockwell and J.C. Leyendecker, involved in wartime image production and will pose questions about memory, accountability, and the relevance of wartime imagery in our society.
What's The Tea @ WCMA
Williams College Museum of Art, Williamstown
4-5:30 p.m.
Stop by the museum between 4 and 5:30 to learn about what's happening at WCMA this year. Start off in the lounge with a cup of tea before heading into the galleries for a peek at Object Lab, where you will see works of art classes will be studying this fall. Then make your way upstairs to get a behind-the-scenes look of how the museum is preparing for its new home, opening in 2027. Free and open to all.
'Be Good!' with Paulette
The Foundry, West Stockbridge
7:30 p.m.
Hot off of an international tour, certified clown Daniel Maseda brings well-mannered idiot Paulette to the Berkshires for the very second time with this fan-favorite show that never plays out the same way twice. A good night for anyone who wants to scream at a polite person.
Berkshire Drum and Fife was built on the region's loud heritage, and instructor Michael Eagle wants to keep that tradition thundering into the 21st century. click for more
Northern Berkshire United Way kicked off its 91st campaign drive this week, wrapping up a yearlong celebration of its nine decades supporting local services. click for more
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — An errant crow apparently caused a power outage that affected nearly 7,000 National Grid customers on Saturday morning. 
