I setup my scouting camera near the southeast end of Lake Lewisville, and this time I baited it with a whole chicken. A solitary Turkey Vulture was the first to arrive. This vulture was the only bird to find the chicken on this day.
The next day, a single Turkey Vulture quickly finds the remains of the chicken, and a short time later a second bird joins him.
But, within minutes Black Vultures begin to arrive at the site. After just a short period of time the two Turkey Vultures are completely out numbered by Black Vultures. Before long Black Vultures begin to dominate the site.
Even though the Turkey Vulture is physically larger than the Black Vulture, the more numerous Black Vultures succeed in driving the Turkey Vultures away in less than half an hour.
From my readings I understand that this was a fairly typical scenario. Turkey Vultures, with their superior sense of smell, are usually first to find a new carcass. Large numbers of the more communal Black Vulture will then be attracted to the site by the activities of the Turkey Vultures, often forcing the Turkey Vultures away.
County | – | Denton |
|
City | – | Lewisville | |
Date | – | November 19, 2006 – November 20, 2006 | |
Time of Day | – | Afternoon | |
Temperature | – | Warm (70-89°F/21-32°C) | |
Weather | – | Clear | |
Habitat | – | Undeveloped-Semi-Wooded | |
Type of Behavior | – | Feeding | |
Gender | – | Uncertain | |
Maturity | – | Adult | |
Observer | – | Chris Jackson |