Our New Neighbors: Vultures!

Turkey vulture perched on railroad tracks

Vulture stretching wings

There were more than 15 vultures perched in and circling around this tree

Recently I wrote a post called, “Are You Seeing More Turkey Vultures Than You Used To?” Without a doubt, I can now answer affirmatively – YES. Perhaps it’s because my awareness of vultures has increased. Or, maybe it’s because I’ve been intentionally looking for them. Whatever the reason, I see vultures not just occasionally, but almost every day. It’s not only when I’m out and about; quite often they are circling over my house. In fact, they seem to have developed a habit of circling over my home and neighborhood on a regular basis.

If I was the type of person who put faith in omens and bad luck charms, I’d be worried the vultures were warning me and my neighbors of impending danger. The big screen often portrays vultures as harbingers of doom, circling over weakened prey, waiting for the opportunity to feast. The truth is, vultures do not circle dying animals (see article: Vultures!). Their keen sense of smell leads them to carrion (see article: Nature’s Focus: The Turkey Vulture). Not all movies depict vultures in a bad way though. In the animated film, “The Jungle Book,” vultures were characterized as friendly fellows (see clip). Whatever the opinion, the “clean up” work of vultures is valuable because it can help prevent the spread of disease.

A few days ago, as I was heading back from the grocery store, I spotted three turkey vultures sitting on the railroad tracks in my neighborhood. I quickly drove the rest of the way home, unloaded the groceries, grabbed my camera and headed back to the tracks. The vultures didn’t pay attention to me as I snapped a few photos of them. They contentedly perched on the metal rails and, every once in a while, stretched out their wings. The turkey vultures seemed quite comfortable in their role as the newest residents of my neighborhood. Comments?

Are You Seeing More Turkey Vultures Than You Used To?

Has anyone noticed an increase in the amount of turkey vultures? Are you seeing more vultures than you used to? In the past, it seemed like a rarity to spot a vulture in my area. The only place I saw them was on the side of the road, picking at the remains of something that had lost an encounter with a moving vehicle. Lately, I see them soaring all over the place. Most of the time, the vultures are flying solo or in pairs; sometimes there are several in a group. The other day, I saw eight or nine vultures circling over my house. It felt like they were spying on me and I started to wonder if I was looking sickly! Today, there were four vultures scouting over the parking lot at the grocery store.

If I lived in Georgia, I’d probably be very happy to only have a few vultures to watch. According to a news report by mnn.com, a Georgia neighborhood is experiencing an influx of hundreds of turkey vultures. I’ve seen Canadian geese in the hundreds, but not turkey vultures. Hundreds of vultures invading my neighborhood would be quite intimidating to say the least.

After doing some research, I’ve learned that my observation was correct. There really are more turkey vultures in New Jersey. Information provided by the USDA states that the turkey vulture population has increased over the past 50 years in northeast. Vultures can live up to 16 years. They are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. As you are out observing wildlife where you live, are you noticing an increase in the amount of turkey vultures? We welcome your comments..
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Editor’s Note – April 2012:
Here is a link for a more recent Nature in the Burbs post about vultures: Our New Neighbors: Vultures.