Boulevard des Corneilles

Across the boulevard, a lone crow perched, a black silhouette against the Parisian sky. This is Boulevard des Corneilles in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés. It’s more than just a street. It’s a stage for a unique drama, a story of crows, a metro, and a city’s heart. Boulevard des Corneilles translates to “Crow Boulevard”, a fitting name given its connection to a peculiar event. In the winter of 2024, a crow found itself trapped in the Parisian metro system. This wasn’t just any crow. This crow became a local celebrity, captivating the hearts of Parisians. Its story unfolded across several metro stations, beginning at Ménilmontant. The crow, initially spotted at Ménilmontant in early November, then mysteriously moved to Parmentier and finally to Saint-Maur. Locals, like a retiree named Dominique, watched with bated breath, leaving food and water for the stranded bird. The crow’s plight even caught the attention of Frédéric Jiguet, a professor at the Museum of Natural History and a leading expert on crows in Paris. He orchestrated a rescue mission, finally capturing the crow in the early hours of February 9th at the Saint-Maur station. The crow, stressed but healthy, was banded and released near Père Lachaise Cemetery, a known crow roosting spot. The Boulevard des Corneilles stands as a silent witness to this unusual tale. It’s a reminder of the city’s connection to nature, even in its most urban spaces. The trapped crow, a symbol of urban wildlife’s struggle, sparked a renewed appreciation for these often-overlooked creatures. The Boulevard des Corneilles is more than just a street. It is a testament to a shared moment of empathy, a symbol of a city’s unexpected kindness.