Whatever attracts them is a food source and the obvious result. When I was a child they apparently always migrated south in the winter but they’ve somehow learned that food is available here in the city area and they stay year round and no longer migrate like they used to. The other day I saw a flock of them waddling across a part of an exit to a mall onto the main road and they were holding up some cars while going from one grassy area to another. Fortunately I was on the other side of the road so they weren’t blocking me. Even so just waddling they seemed entitled and looked like they owned the road they were crossing.
Lately a flock has camped out on the soccer fields and play ground by our Catholic Church. Hate to be a kid playing on that ground.