Birds a way

[freedomhays]

These guys,

[Willit Run]

They look like Turkey Buzzards!!
We have them around here all the time and since your not to far from me I'll bet that's what they are!!

Cory

[Fozzer]

They look like Turkey Buzzards!!
We have them around here all the time and since your not to far from me I'll bet that's what they are!!

Cory

WOW...!

A cross-breed*?....Turkeys and Buzzards!... ...!

What will they get up to next?... ...!

LOL... ...!

Our Starlings are getting ready for a trip to warmer parts very soon... ...!

Amazing "social" Birds...always travel in each others company... 8-)...!

F....Garden full of Birds!... ....(Feathered variety?... ...).... ...!

* ...bit of a problem with "cross-pollination" there?... ...!

[Omag 2.0]

LOL, Paul!

Nice birds of prey... they seem to be more abundant in Europe these days, thanks to restrictions in pesticide use...

[Hagar]

Very interesting. Like Paul I wondered why they're called Turkey Buzzards. Although this is their common name it turns out that they're not related to buzzards which are members of the hawk family. Turkey Vulture

[Ashar]

LOL, Paul!

Nice birds of prey... they seem to be more abundant in Europe these days, thanks to restrictions in pesticide use...

Isn't that Gisele B

[beaky]

Very interesting. Like Paul I wondered why they're called Turkey Buzzards. Although this is their common name it turns out that they're not related to buzzards which are members of the hawk family. Turkey Vulture

LOL... you're right. In the NE they're often called "buzzards", but they are technically vultures. Turkey vultures, to be precise... but I don't get the "turkey" part; they certainly don't look like turkeys.

[Hagar]

Very interesting. Like Paul I wondered why they're called Turkey Buzzards. Although this is their common name it turns out that they're not related to buzzards which are members of the hawk family. Turkey Vulture

LOL... you're right. In the NE they're often called "buzzards", but they are technically vultures. Turkey vultures, to be precise... but I don't get the "turkey" part; they certainly don't look like turkeys.

Apparently it's the head. http://www.lairweb.org.nz/vulture/turkey.html

Compare that with the Common Buzzard which is the largest bird of prey in this part of the world. http://www.discoverituk.plus.com/isleofskye/buzzards.htm

They do look very similar in flight.

[freedomhays]

Well what ever they are I love to wach them dispite the ugly head.  They sure know how to ride those thermals.

I'll bet they don't taste like turkey.

[Hagar]

They could certainly show us a thing or two.

A few facts about vultures that I didn't know. This confirms what I've always believed that some birds often fly simply for the fun of it. Copied from my previous link.

Circling Vultures:

         Contrary to popular belief, circling vultures do not necessarily indicate the presence of a dead animal.   Circling vultures may be gaining altitude for long flights, searching for food, or playing.  
         These birds soar on thermals of warm, rising air.  This allows them to best conserve their energy in flight.  After rising on the thermal, they glide as far as possible before they need to gain altitude again.   They also rely on thermals of warm air to remain aloft while scanning the ground for food.  
         You will certainly see vultures in the air over a carcass, but in the case of small carcasses, the descent is rapid.  As for larger carcasses, while remaining on the lookout for food, vultures are equally attuned to their fellow vultures.  They note when others' behavior indicates the discovery of a food source, and will flock to the area.  Often, the entire group will remain aloft until sufficient birds have arrived to dispose of the carcass in a timely fashion.
         Please note, however, that American vultures are not known to circle a dying animal.

[freedomhays]

That's interesting.  I'd love to someday watch the Condors catch thermals.