Good Morning!
I hope that someone might be able to help with an answer to the question
below.
I have never witnessed this behavior.
Many thanks!
Laura Stephens
The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia
www.asnv.org
703-256-6895
Celebrating more than a quarter century protecting birds, other
wildlife & their habitats throughout Northern Virginia
-----Original Message-----
From: Cindy Vasko [mailto:cvasko@xxxxxxxx] ;
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2006 2:23 PM
To: 'info@xxxxxxxx'
Subject: Turkey Vulture Problems
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am a bit at wits end with a wild bird problem and I have been unable
to locate any substantive information about my dilemma. I am having
many problems with turkey vultures. I have lived in Ashburn VA (43252
Katie Leigh Court), Loudoun County, for eleven years and never
experienced problems with predatory birds. For the past month or so, I
have not been able to leave my eleven pound Yorkshire Terrier in my
fenced in yard for more than five minutes. As soon as I put my dog in
the yard, turkey vultures circle and display aggressive behavior. I have
been forced to run after them and chase them away from my dog. They do
not seem fearful of human presence and if I am outside and holding my
dog, they perch on chimneys, tree limbs, roofs, etc. and stand watch.
At other times, two or three vultures congregate but I have seen as many
as seven cluster around my house and "wait" for my dog to emerge. I also
saw this behavior displayed while I was talking to my neighbor in front
of my house while she had her 60 lb. golden retriever on a leash. Animal
size does not seem to matter to these vultures. I do not understand this
behavior and I am fearful for my dog's safety. Is this normal behavior?
Is this behavior intensified because of the time of year (hatchlings,
etc)? Is there anything I can do to alleviate this problem? Do you know
of instances where pets have been attacked, hurt or worse? Any help you
can provide is appreciated. Thank you!
Cindy Vasko
Publications Manager
Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald, LLP
8405 Greensboro Drive, Suite 100
McLean, Virginia 22012
703-749-1077
703-893-8029 fax
cvasko@xxxxxxxx
The information contained within this electronic mail message is
attorney privileged and confidential information intended only for the
use of the individual or entity named. If the reader of the message is
not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any
dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
immediately notify us by telephone at 703-749-1000 and delete this
message.
