31 March 2022
Have you noticed them lately?
Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are migrating over Pittsburgh during the warmest parts of the day. They returned to Hinckley, Ohio on 15 March. Now they’re here.
Since my first sighting of a lone turkey vulture on 10 March I now see groups of at least four every day, especially near their roosts.
Very soon we are going to appreciate that the Clean Up Crew has returned to eat the dead things that rot in warm weather.
Unlike us, vultures can always eat what they want. Find out why in this vintage article.
(photos from Wikimedia Commons; click on the captions to see the originals)
Very interesting birds. I’ve been watching a small group for several years now. They roost just across the road from my daughter’s house. There is also a large flock roosting in Zelienople.
I came upon a pair of turkey vultures a couple of years ago. A male and female feasting on road kill. The male first tried to lure me away and then threatened me with aggressive fly-bys. He wanted to make sure ‘momma’ got her meal. I applaud his bravery, loyalty and deeply engrained DNA. They are exceedingly ugly up close.
Hi Kate, I believe they also urinate on their legs and feet. There’s something in their urine that kills the bacteria from walking in carcasses. Amazing nature!