Turkey vultures are common in the skies over our region.
But little is known about their movements and migration because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prohibits leg banding on this species, note researchers at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, located along a raptor migratory route north of Reading.
So Hawk Mountain scientists have “wing-tagged” some of the birds with large, brightly-colored and numbered tags that do not harm the birds and are easy to spot. Now, they’re hoping citizen scientists in the area will keep a sharp eye out for any tagged turkey vultures and report the findings.
Hawk Mountain officials expect that some of the birds will stay in southeastern Pennsylvania. An earlier study using satellite telemetry devices showed that Pennsylvania vultures migrated to central Florida.
Those who see a wing-tagged vulture are asked to contact Hawk Mountain and report the day, time of sighting, location, and if possible, the number on the tag and the tag’s color. Calls should be directed to Dr. Keith Bildstein at 570-943-3411 x108 or via email at bildstein@hawkmtn.org. In addition to helping with the project, those who report a sighting also will receive a report of findings.
In the spring of 2003, scientists began another,more high-tech effort to follow turkey vultures. By now, they have placed tiny satellite tags on 21 birds. Five of the birds also had data loggers surgically implanted in their body cavities to record core body temperature and heart rate.
To follow the tagged birds online, click here.
I saw a turkey vulture a couple a months ago in the West Philly area. They are pretty scary looking. A friend of mine has pictures of one right in front of his house. My friend lives near Upper Darby. So they are getting around— Lauriecooks- Turkey vultures are as common as crows. People just don't recognize them. They think they are crows or large hawks.— gtb513
Comment removed.- A flock of turkey vultures was recently spotted circling the Philadelphia Eagles team. They especially drooled when their beady eyes locked on the carcASS of the hippo-like Coach...— whatthe?
- Come up to Solebury, Pa and see groups of them eating road kill. Next time I see a gang of them, I'll pull over and introduce myself and check their wings for tags.— johnny99
- Ah, the turkey vulture. One of the last great species ready to be adored for the supreme nonsense of its existence. However, it must be observed that they make as about as much sense as human beings. I remember going with my father to Hawk Mountain many years ago, and how the dutiful crew of hawk watchers would spit in disgust if they had mistaken a "TV" for a large hawk or eagle. This was tantamount to being caught thinking a Pinto was a Porsche from a distance of half a block. Those of us who were ignorant enough to jump with delight at the view of this ironically graceful bird -- thinking that its sheer majesty at a distance was evidence enough of its greatness -- were miserable with shame when we realized our mistake. Now the ugly species are back in vogue. Slugs, spiders, humans and vultures. Let us hope that we will be reminded, one day, that these odd and in some ways grotesque ornithological mysteries, are evidence enough that beauty is itself a mystery, as is our own fascination with studying things we find disgusting. They usually teach us the most.— Ulysses
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- I saw 53 Dodos in Cincinnatti over the weekend. Actually, I was camping this weekend right next to Hawk Mountain, and saw hundreds of turkey vultures. It was pretty creepy at times. Ulysses, I had the same experience at Hawk Mountain. The vultures were twice the size of the two hawks I saw. Turkey Vultures rule. It is great to watch them fly. Either way, take your kids to Hawk Mountain. It is great. One of the best places in the area. There is nothing like seeing a bald eagle in flight. Nothing.— AreaMan
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- I gotz ta get me up to dat der Hawk Moutain en getz me one a dem der Turkey Vultures for Thankgiving dinner.— phillyboobird
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