No matter what one may think about vultures, or buzzards, they are quite a sight when spotted in nature. Here in Tennessee buzzards are a very common sight in the air and along the roadways where they avidly feed upon the many dead animals killed from collisions with vehicles. I got quite a thrill recently while sitting in my home office when two black buzzards came calling in my neighbor's front yard. I am not sure what attracted the buzzards but they did not stay around for very long. They are so very majestic when they take off, but then I think all large birds are most majestic.
Oftentimes old timers and folks from the south call buzzards turkey buzzards. At first thought I too thought all buzzards were called turkey buzzards. So when I looked on Google for pictures and information about turkey buzzards I was surprised to find this buzzard did not look anything like a turkey buzzard. Turkey buzzards have a red sleeve like covering around their heads whereas this one was all black. Further investigation revealed that this buzzarrd was most likely a black buzzard. Black buzzards are also known as carrion crows or black vultures. I learn something new every day....
in the garden....
If you are local and like crinums, our local Walmart located on Fort Campbell Blvd has three packaged crinum bulbs for less than $10. These are fabulous plants for this area. See my post for information on them or search the sidebar for their beautiful blooms.
Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden
We have so many Black Vultures around here. Our local farmer likes them as they clean up the dead, but dislike the hawks and owls as they are after the chickens. Different point of view.
ReplyDeleteThese birds always make me think of Halloween for some reason. I love birds but must admit that Buzzards creep me out a bit. Not crows but buzzards. I will never forget the excitement of seeing my first turkey in our yard many years ago. Then the disappointment of realizing it was a darn Turkey Buzzard feasting on a dead opossum. Yikes, that was icky....
ReplyDeleteI would also be excited to see one in my yard. They may not be the most beautiful bird but they are a sight to behold. They also are a raptor bird as is the bald eagle but for some reason people like the eagles but not the vultures or buzzards. Go figure. They all eat carrion and are majestic in size. For over a month now I have been back watching the Decorah Bald Eagles. The Mom has laid 2 eggs so far and should lay another by Friday. Also atching 2 different bald eagle cams here in Maine. No eggs yet but they are getting the nests ready. The osprey nest in Maine that I watch should be running before long. That is my favorie!
ReplyDeleteOne little tidbit of info today. Did you all know that Ben Franklin wanted the turkey for our national bird instead of the eagle? True.
It's exciting to see a new bird.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
What a great bird to see up close.
ReplyDeleteI really like this bird post, a nice addition to your normal gardening fare. That's a terrific photo - birds are so hard to capture.
ReplyDeleteWhile they are not pretty, I am jealous when I see a group of them soaring on the thermals, wings extended motionless just enjoying what they are able to do.
ReplyDeleteMom, Yes indeed I did know that. I think turkeys would've been a good national bird too. I so enjoy seeing them around here and they are very numerous but nothing beats that white head of a bald eagle soaring overhead. I've been checking in on the Decorah eagles. It can be quite addicting!
ReplyDeleteI always thought of buzzards as a bit creepy, but I have come to realize the valuable function they serve in helping to tidy things up. As often as I've seen them on the roads, I've never yet seen one becoming roadkill itself. They must be pretty smart birds!
ReplyDeleteI have never seen black buzzards here but definitely we get turkey buzzards..once they are flying in the sky I know the warm temps are staying...
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