Vultures

I missed it this year, firstly because I was so enveloped in Skuntank Day, and second because this is the first I've heard it occurring on the first Sunday of the week and not always September 3 like I thought.

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Text from https://justbirding.com/what-birds-mate-for-life/

Black Vulture

Latin name: Coragyps atratus

Unique romantic feature: Fight for fidelity

Where they are found: From the southeastern USA to South America

Size: Length: 22 to 29 inches (56 to 74 cm); Weight: 2.6 to 4.3 pounds (1.18 to 1.95 kg): Wingspan: 4.4 to 5.5 feet (1.34 to 1.68 m)

Diet: Carrion

~~Black vultures prove you don’t have to be beautiful to enjoy a committed, long-term relationship.~~ Um, rude.

Looking dressed more for a funeral than a wedding, these scavenger birds feature all-black plumage with bumpy, featherless grayish-black heads, and short, hooked beaks.

Found in open habitats and along roads from the southeastern United States to South America, black vultures are all about family life. They form bonds that last their whole lives (about 10 years).

photo by Kevan Cooke on Flickr

image's original link broken/can't find photographer's name

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My favorite for sentimental reasons. I grew up in an area where you might spot one if you were very lucky. It was rare, but cool.

I can't find the image source to confirm, but looks right.

link to eBird

Huge, wide-ranging vulture of the Andes, but also ranges into lowlands in southern Chile and Tierra del Fuego. Locally fairly common in Chile and adjacent Argentina, less numerous northward. Mainly seen as singles or pairs, sailing high over ridges, but tens can gather at roosts and to scavenge at carcasses. Size alone is diagnostic, but can be difficult to judge at a distance: note very long “fingers” at wingtips and white collar of adult. Adult also has diagnostic big white panels on upperwing, visible as birds bank. Immatures dark overall, becoming like adult in about 5 years.

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I watched people walk by the 6 ft tall Nutcracker and groan. Funny.

I saw other people walk by the Halloween display smiling and taking pics. Good to know priorities are in place.

Sebastian Kennerknecht

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Paul Doran's Flickr link

Photographer's Flickr link

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