Vultures

[Hammer Handle]

A couple of weekends ago, I spotted 3 people on my field looking with binoculars.

I approached them, and they stated they were looking at the two eagles circling overhead.

Well, they were not eagles, but vultures. I told them this, and they didn't believe me. One said "There are no vultures in MN".

Well there are, and they are becoming more and more common.

As I was walking away, I heard one of the bird watchers say "Wait, that one has a red head". I turned back and smiled and they were all looking at me.

[MN Shutterbug]

That's rich.

[Steve Foss]

Well, birders vary in experience as widely as anglers. Obviously you got some closer to the beginner stage. Pretty funny. No vultures in Minnesota. Right.

Vultures are native to Minnesota, but the supposition is that they are on the increase because human development has led to a big increase in the numbers of lots of species of animals like deer and raccoons, for example. And, of course, we're pretty good at running into those critters on our ever increasing number of roads. And, of course, what do vultures eat? So we're increasing their food supply.

[Valv]

Actually I was just contemplating how many we have around this year. I sued to see maybe one or two twice a year, now they are a common view from my place at least once a week.

The only bird of that can be mistaken for would be a golden eagle or a very young bald eagle, otherwise there's no other bird of that size except vultures, and we don't have golden eagles here.

[mcary]

I was on the St. Louis River a little over a month ago and found the biggest group of T.V.'s I've ever seen. They certainly are homely creatures. I'm always amazed at how many people think that vultures only exist in Africa. Here are a few pics of the ugly buggers that I took. Can't imagine why anyone would want to see them, but if you know any disbelievers you can show them these. I know Steve has some too.

[Steve Foss]

Yikes! Prehistoric!

Thanks for sharing them, Michael. I think.

[Hammer Handle]

I think the bird watchers were confused as there is a mature bald eagle nesting in the area too.

I think they saw the one bald eagle...and assumed the other birds nearby were the same.

The bald eagle nest is in my woods were a snowmobile trail used to run (I recently closed it due to violators). Maybe I should let more people in bird watching instead. It is only 40 acres or woods and 40 acres of fields, but has lots of wildlife. I just dug a pond there this last year.

[MN Shutterbug]

Quote:

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The bald eagle nest is in my woods were a snowmobile trail used to run (I recently closed it due to violators). Maybe I should let more people in bird watching instead. It is only 40 acres or woods and 40 acres of fields, but has lots of wildlife. I just dug a pond there this last year.

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Hammer, that would be a neat idea. Bird watchers would probably treat the property with more respect also. BTW, what part of the state do you reside in?