Hi Folks,
Yesterday it was interesting to watch a Turkey Vulture coming in to
locate some carrion out toward our back woods. As it got below tree level
the nearby nesting Red-shouldered Hawks were not happy, and one of them,
with a loud audible hiss, dove multiple times at the dodging and now wildly
flapping vulture. The vulture found a nearby tree in which to take refuge
and rest. Not long later -- I presume after taking some time to assess the
comings and goings of the hawks -- the vulture safely made its way down to
the carrion and feasted for 15-20 minutes before sneaking off for some
digestion.
Early in the morning I was coming home from dropping off my boys with
their ride. As I drove in the driveway in front of the house I was taken
aback by 5 large birds flying ... mostly gliding ... very rapidly, over the
top of the house and nearby trees and me; going west to east and across the
county road. I'm pretty used to identifying birds in flight overhead, but
in the immediate seconds after first noticing the birds, I was stumped. And
these were big birds! How many options can there be?! My first impression
was Canada Geese. They were that large, dark, with somewhat long necks and
big wings, but the wings were broader, not as pointed, and the tail seemed
longer. Finally, the head was smaller, not bulbous as on a goose. Probably
at about second 3 or 4 it dawned on me what they were....
Any guesses??? :-)
Lots of birds singing this morning....
Matt Hunter
Melrose
