Black Vultures

Thanks to the mild winter, black vultures seem to be lingering in Greensboro. In the above photo, taken yesterday, they are seen in a tree in our back yard. Since this was the second day we saw them in our yard, about two dozen in all, we were suspicious that something was luring them to our yard. Sure enough, as we approached, we saw a deer carcass, frozen in the snow. The vultures were devouring the carrion. Of course, we are wondering just what killed the dear, but by the time the snow thaws, there might not be anything left but bones.

For these heavy, stubby-in-appearance vultures, flying seems to be a task. When chasing them off, with great effort, they pull themselves from the branches. Unlike turkey vultures, they tend to stay in groups and attack the carcass together. Be careful, we learned that they may have actually killed some goats in a rural area just south of Greensboro (see, here, but warning: Content graphic). Be careful if you see them in your yard. Keep an eye on your small pets. These vultures don't seem to care that it is a "snow day." 

Comments

[Lowell]

I just read an article in National Geographic on the wondrous things vultures do all over the world. I've never heard of vultures killing anything and think that might be someone's fear speaking.

[William Kendall]

They'll be pretty efficient in dealing with the remains.

[Greensboro Daily Photo]

I'm with you, Lowell. I don't think they kill, but they may sense when something is about to die.

[cieldequimper]

Not my favourite birds but very useful I believe...

[Halcyon]

Interesting birds.