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Turkey Vultures

Discussion in 'Nature/Habitat/Garden Corner' started by hewitt99, Aug 31, 2009.

  1. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    I would like to apologize to everyone that I might have offended with my tone on this thread. I've been thinking a lot today and I've decided that I think it's time for me to take a break from the forums for a few weeks or more. I won't be posting, but I'll continue my normal moderation duties behind the scenes, like removing spam, etc. I'm not trying to make anyone happy, gain sympathy or anything; it's just something that I think I need to do now because I don't want my actions on these forums to spill over to my personal life, especially reflect in any way negatively on my family. My posts and my actions are my own, and I would sincerely hope that others do not base their interactions with my family on what I do here.

    Thanks, and see you all soon.
     
  2. foodie

    foodie New Member

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    Mr. Linux--

    On a sidenote, hope to see you back soon. I took a break too due to family vacations and other farm-related duties.

    Have a Blessed Fall--

    Foodie:happygrin:
     
  3. bgirl

    bgirl New Member

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    Hmmm....a long time birder, hawkwatcher, etc. does not an ornithologist make. I found numerous reference articles that did confirm vultures' killing of live animals (perhaps weak and small, but live nonetheless).
    (www.reference.com, and an interesting article in Audubon Magazine: http://audubonmagazine.org/features0811/horrorShow.html)

    Maybe you can post where your accurate scientific information comes from?
     
  4. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    I read your linked Audobon article. It alludes to the fact that black vultures might be responsible for killing live animals, but it is hardly conclusive.
     
  5. bgirl

    bgirl New Member

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    Here's a part of the article:
    "And, unlike turkey vultures, they 'take live prey on a regular basis,' says Michael Avery, who runs a USDA wildlife research field station outside of Gainesville, Florida. “Their tight social organization might help them subdue and kill larger prey that turkey vultures couldn’t.” They are known to have killed and eaten striped skunks and opossums, hatchling leatherback sea turtles, and young night-herons, and ranchers complain that black vultures prey on newborn sheep and calves."

    Maybe you don't think this is conclusive, Cliff :screwy:...but I think in this case, I'll trust the wildlife researchers from whom the articles received their information over you or the other neighborhood sceptic(s) because I'm sure they had some evidence before actually making those statements. You know, like actually being in the field and watching these...what did you call them--oh yeah, cool...scavengers and rooftop defilers in action. I mean, gesh, we're talking about the Washington Post, Audubon society, USDA researchers, etc.
     
  6. polar8825

    polar8825 Human Propulsion Expert

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    Hmmm, that seems pretty conclusive to me, though I'll admit, I wasn't aware there was much of a difference between the two species. Very interesting.
     
  7. afgm

    afgm Ashburn Farm Resident

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    Eric,

    Don't be so hard on yourself. When you're ready come on back into the pubic eye, and take the bag off your head. I guarantee most have no idea how much time you put into this blog and the community. Chill for a while and then return. Volunteerism is a tough addiction to deal with, and a time away only rejoins the heart and soul into more worth or additional activities.

     
  8. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    When I worked for EDS off Rt 28, we would see turkey vultures UP CLOSE! Many would often sun themselves on the ledges and we would be on the other side of the windows literally no more than a foot away. They could not see us through the tint. It was pretty cool.
     
  9. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    bgirl-
    Then I guess it's a good thing I referred to TURKEY VULTURES as cool and not the evil animal killing black vultures.
     
  10. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    I work in that building and they're still around!
    Even saw a few of the evil animal killing black vultures Tuesday.
     
  11. napper

    napper New Member

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    That's a Black Vulture. Someone probably already stated that, if so, sorry to repeat. Pretty impressive, though.
     
  12. hornerjo

    hornerjo Senior Member

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    They got into our neighbors trash Thur morning.

    [​IMG]
     
  13. hornerjo

    hornerjo Senior Member

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  14. Ozgood

    Ozgood Not a space alien

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    Wow, it is amazing how these birds were able to reach up and unsecure the fastened lid of the trash container and then lift out the four trash bags and put them on the ground and then replace and fasten the lid back on the trash container. Those birds must be organized! :happygrin:

    Of course if the owner just left thin garbage bags on the ground full of food it would make it a easy breakfast for nature. :happygrin:

    I wonder who is at fault here? :)
     
  15. hornerjo

    hornerjo Senior Member

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    Oh yeah, these guys are good! The Penguins of Madagascar have nothing on the Vultures of Broadlands! :p
     
  16. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    I still can't believe that this is allowed... common sense tells you that trash bags left on the curb is not the smartest thing to do, not to mention the health and safety issues as well as time and effort for someone to clean. Buy an extra $15 trash can if you have too much for one.... just unacceptable and the neighbors should say something too (I think).
     
  17. hornerjo

    hornerjo Senior Member

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    My entire street looks like this (bags out). I'd have to knock on a over a dozen doors and I doubt it would do any good.
     
  18. bgirl

    bgirl New Member

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    You're absolutely right, Cliff. I am so sorry for misquoting you!
     
  19. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    When I reported to work for my first day back in 1997, there were several of these birds sunning themselves over the entrance way. I had never seen one before. I was fascinated by their size and that they truly looked like a 50/50 combination of turkey and vulture.
    Over the years, I've found it interesting watching them devour carcasses. A full sized deer is nothing but a pile of bones and fur a few days later. It's incredible how clean they pick the bones!
    Anyway, that's why I think they are neat birds to see around.
     
  20. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    i've heard cliff filibuster in a debate... i can understand why he RELATES to these birds when it comes to picking something apatrt til only the bones remain!!! lol ;)
     

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