This large group of Turkey Vultures was observed at the end of Ten Mile Road in far south east Dallas County.
A pair of Feral Hogs had been killed and left in the middle of this large, open field. But, nothing goes to waste in the wild. Around ten to twelve Turkey Vultures had gathered around the carcasses to feed.
The birds spooked as we approached, and the majority of them flew away into the nearby woods. Only these two brave vultures stayed behind.
Most of the vultures disappeared into the treeline, but one landed on this unusual structure. There he began sunning his wings, a typical vulture behavior designed to disinfect his feathers.
We decided to park the car and wait around to see if the other vultures would return. Sure enough, within just a few minutes the first large, black bird made his return.
Other vultures began to emerge from the woods as they began to see that the coast was clear.
Soon a fourth bird joined the other three.
The hogs must have been killed only recently. It did not appear that the carcasses had been broken open yet, and the vultures busied themselves trying to find a weak spot so that they could begin feeding.
There were also a number of Black Vultures present at this location. They were congregating close to the tree line, about 40 yards/meters from the hog carcasses, with only a few Turkey Vultures mixed in with them.
The Black Vultures were attracted to something in the tall grass. We were not able to see what it was. But, while we watched something spooked the entire group, and all the vultures here took to the air. Whatever frightened the birds remained completely concealed by the tall grass.
Meanwhile, more Turkey Vultures continued to gather around the hog carcasses.
Other Turkey Vultures staged themselves on the wooden structure near the trees.
There were seven vultures collected around the dead pigs as we drove away.
Observations Details
| County | – | Dallas |
|
| City | – | Unincorporated | |
| Date | – | Aug 26, 2012 | |
| Time of Day | – | Afternoon | |
| Temperature | – | Warm (70-89°F/21-32°C) | |
| Weather | – | Overcast | |
| Habitat | – | Agricultural-Farm | |
| Type of Behavior | – | Congregating, Feeding | |
| Gender | – | Mixed | |
| Maturity | – | Adult | |
| Observer | – | Chris Jackson | |
| Main Article | – | Turkey Vulture | Observation Location |
