Carol DM
Found this 19 inch long feather in my garden today. I immediately researched and identified it as a turkey vulture, or what we call a buzzard feather.
The most widespread vulture in North America, the turkey vulture is locally called “buzzard” in many areas. A turkey vulture standing on the ground can, at a distance, resemble a wild turkey. It is unique among our vultures in that it finds carrion by smell as well as by sight.
Before you write off vultures as disgusting oddities, hear out our last fun fact. Dead animals are a breeding ground for infectious disease, including those that can pass to humans. Vultures, all species, not just turkey vultures, have strong acid in their stomachs that destroys these toxins. By eating carrion, vultures prevent the spread of rabies, botulism, anthrax, cholera, and more.
Vulture photos are not mine, but the feather photo was snapped in my yard today.
Feather Photo ©CarolDM2020
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Question of
Ever seen a buzzard or vulture flying around before?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Would you have known this feather as a vulture’s?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Amazing to see the different size feathers, right?
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Yes
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No
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there is a flock gaggle murder whatever a group of turkey vultures is called near our house!
I did not even see this one, only found the feather above in my yard.
if you find feathers the bird was there!
the twins think they are beautiful birds.
Next nest, Turkey Vultures! lol
Oh no, I certainly hope not Kim. I hope he is long gone.
Yes, I have found that you are an even greater researcher than I am. 😊
Woah, talk about research. Dang Carol, you found it! Feathers are also gifts, he must really be thinking of you. I cant believe you found what kind of bird it was. And a main flight feather, from the shape it looks like one of the biggest. Amaaaaazzzing!
We see buzzards all the time her in the country.
I do as well but never found a feather in my yard before.
I have seen some similar predators in our area but not remember where I saw.
Good to see you. Never had a feather in my yard before.
We also have some similar predators … among them the hawk is only a little smaller … they are not that big
Yes they are all over, but my pint was the feather was in my garden. These are really big withe heir wings open.
In my vicinity for some time preletuje bird of prey. I’m still researching which bird it is.
There are many, birds of prey as you know. Good luck.
I’m stubborn, and I will certainly determine which bird it is. 😊
I love research as well, but you knew that.
That’s amazing! This bird is new to me, but I have big appreciation for vultures for the reasons you listed. They are nature’s medics. Awesome finding, Carol!
This is a vulture and the feather was very out of place in my garden.
Vultures, hyenas, and other carrion-eating animals are nature’s cleaners.
Yes I know, just never found their feather in my yard before. It was huge, above in the photo.
One of my favorite pictures that I have ever taken was many turkey buzzards (as I recall 15) were lined up on the fenceposts drying the feathers. It was amazing. I just kept driving that part of the road for hours until they finally left. Thanks for reminding me.
You are welcome. They are good birds. I have never found their feather in my yard before. It was huge, above in the photo.