I went over to visit the North Fork Reserve, just East of Riverhead, based on the report of the good variety of birds seen there. i did not get there until after 3 PM, but there simply was not seen any of the interesting birds reported. Three Red Tail hawks but none of the other reported varieties. However, I did see, photograph and watch for an hour a flock of 8 Black Vultures resting on the fields to the West of the main road going in. I first photographed them at a distance, but as I approached them, I kept taking photos until I was about 15 yards away. Several of them flew off as I approached even closer, and I took pictures of them flying to show their distinctive wing patterns. But two of them stayed, as they were busy feeding on an animal. (I wonder if anyone can tell me if Black Vultures catch and kill their prey, or if they only feed on dead animals?) I kept taking pictures to see if I could determine what kind of animal, as it was very furry,and bloody, and about two feet long. ( I anyone wants me to send pictures which are hard to identify, I would be happy to do so). This is the first time I saw Black Vultures on Long Island and so many! Turkey Vultures also used to be rare, but not rare any longer. Good birding to all! Andy Murphy --
NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
