Lately, it feels like every time I pull into a Target, Walmart, or grocery store parking lot, I’m met with an army of birds. Sometimes it's just a few pigeons pecking at crumbs, other times it's seagulls swarming like they’ve mistaken the asphalt for a beach. And occasionally, it's geese—because nothing says “welcome to the store” like a gang of honking, aggressive feathered bouncers.
At first, I chalked it up to a random quirk of nature, but then I realized—this isn’t just happening in my town. It's a full-blown nationwide phenomenon. Videos from Texas and Louisiana show massive flocks of crows and grackles practically taking over parking lots, creating viral moments that have people asking:
What in the Hitchcock is going on here?
Well, while we can’t exactly interview the birds, we can turn to experts for answers. Turns out, there are four big reasons why parking lots are prime real estate for our feathered friends.
1. To Birds, Parking Lots Look Like Bodies of Water
Ever wonder why seagulls, ducks, and even grebes love parking lots? The Audubon Society explains that at night, wet asphalt can resemble a lake—especially under artificial lights. Even in daylight, from high above, a vast stretch of dark pavement can trick birds into thinking they’ve found a pond.
This can be more than just a minor mix-up. Some birds, like grebes and loons, struggle to take off from land, meaning they can get stuck if they mistakenly land in a parking lot. Talk about an embarrassing navigation error.
2. They Offer Safety in Numbers
At first glance, hanging out in a wide-open space might seem risky, but for birds, it’s actually a smart survival tactic.
“Many species—like Canada geese, seagulls, and grackles—find safety in numbers,” says Dr. Allison Sacerdote-Velat, Curator of Biology and Herpetology at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. “Parking lots provide an open area where they can easily spot predators.”
For crows, this is especially important at night. Owls love to snack on them, and since crows don’t have great night vision, they often gather in brightly lit parking lots for added protection. It’s like an avian neighborhood watch program.
3. It’s a Never-Ending Buffet
Let’s be real—humans are messy eaters. We toss half-eaten sandwiches, abandoned chicken nuggets, and entire toddler snack bowls onto the pavement without a second thought. For birds, that’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.
But parking lots don’t just serve up human leftovers. The landscaping around big-box stores often includes trees and shrubs, providing both cover and a natural food source. Plus, those random puddles in potholes? Perfect for a quick drink or a bath.
4. Their Natural Habitats Are Disappearing
Perhaps the saddest reason birds are flocking to parking lots is that they don’t have many other options.
“Habitat loss has pushed birds into these environments,” explains Sacerdote-Velat. “Mudflats, plains, and open fields used to serve the same purpose, but many of those natural spaces have been developed over.”
Since 1970, North America’s bird population has dropped by nearly 3 billion due to habitat destruction. So, while some people might find it annoying or unsettling to see large flocks in parking lots, it’s important to remember: they’re just trying to survive in a world we’ve reshaped.
The Least We Can Do
Sure, some parking lot birds—like grackles and geese—have a bit of an attitude. And yes, it can be mildly terrifying to push a shopping cart through a sea of staring, unbothered birds. But at the end of the day, they’re just looking for a safe place to exist.
So maybe instead of shooing them away or tossing them a French fry (please don’t), we can appreciate them for the clever, adaptable creatures they are. After all, they were here first—we’re just the ones who paved over their homes.