Turkey & Black Vulture Question

Bill Cherepy

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Dec 30, 2009, 8:53:22 PM12/30/09

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I did search the Net, but I couldn't find an answer to this question:

How often do Turkey and Black Vultures need to feed?

Thanks,

Larry Sheldon

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Dec 30, 2009, 9:15:33 PM12/30/09

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On 12/30/2009 7:53 PM, Bill Cherepy wrote:
> I did search the Net, but I couldn't find an answer to this question:
>
> How often do Turkey and Black Vultures need to feed?

The only thing I have ever heard was that if they come down from
cruising altitude they have to succeed in catching something or they
won't have the energy to get back to altitude.

(I've always been skeptical of that since the ones I've watched all use
thermals for the bulk of the climb.

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Jerry Avins

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Dec 30, 2009, 9:25:58 PM12/30/09

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Larry Sheldon wrote:
> On 12/30/2009 7:53 PM, Bill Cherepy wrote:
>> I did search the Net, but I couldn't find an answer to this question:
>>
>> How often do Turkey and Black Vultures need to feed?
>
> The only thing I have ever heard was that if they come down from
> cruising altitude they have to succeed in catching something or they
> won't have the energy to get back to altitude.

Nonsense. They come down to their roost trees every evening. They sun
themselves in the morning if they can, but I've seen them shake the snow
off and get right back to business. I have pictures of them gathering
for the evening: http://users.rcn.com/jyavins/gathering.jpg. By the time
it's dark, there are about 80 to 100 in the pine tree.

> (I've always been skeptical of that since the ones I've watched all use
> thermals for the bulk of the climb.

Cherish that skepticism!

Jerry
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Dec 31, 2009, 11:28:35 PM12/31/09

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"Larry Sheldon" <lfsh...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:7q2fq5...@mid.individual.net...

> On 12/30/2009 7:53 PM, Bill Cherepy wrote:
>> I did search the Net, but I couldn't find an answer to this question:
>>
>> How often do Turkey and Black Vultures need to feed?
>
> The only thing I have ever heard was that if they come down from cruising
> altitude they have to succeed in catching something or they won't have the
> energy to get back to altitude.
>
> (I've always been skeptical of that since the ones I've watched all use
> thermals for the bulk of the climb.

Never heard that before.

Rick

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Jan 1, 2010, 10:55:29 AM1/1/10

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I checked BNA and they loose very little weight when not feeding for 4
or 5 days

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Rick
Fargo, ND
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W 096�48'279"

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Rick

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Jan 1, 2010, 11:00:37 AM1/1/10

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Larry Sheldon wrote:
> On 12/30/2009 7:53 PM, Bill Cherepy wrote:
>> I did search the Net, but I couldn't find an answer to this question:
>>
>> How often do Turkey and Black Vultures need to feed?
>
> The only thing I have ever heard was that if they come down from
> cruising altitude they have to succeed in catching something or they
> won't have the energy to get back to altitude.
>
> (I've always been skeptical of that since the ones I've watched all use
> thermals for the bulk of the climb.
>

I think you are very wise to be skeptical. I have never heard that but,
if they can not feed for several days and still survive--that means
flying in search of food--I would think it highly suspect. :)