Alfred Hitchcock, indeed, would have been delighted by the recent gathering of turkey vultures at the Easton grain elevator plant off off Dover Street. Still, one suspects that most residents that pass by the large processing center might find the sight of the bird conferees a tad off-putting.
That was the response from one of our Spy readers, and they inquired as to what the town might do to disband this rather spooky convention of hundreds of vultures. We don’t have an answer for any municipality response, but we have seen this phenomenon before.
Ten years ago, Spy editor Kathy Bosin explored a similar occurrence on an AT&T cell tower off St. Michaels Road. In that article, she explains that these remarkable gatherings are called “wakes” because it mirrors a traditional wake where family and friends gather to pay their respects to a loved one. And while the birds do not express grief of any type, their bowed heads and black silhouettes remind the solemn atmosphere of a funeral.
We asked one of spies to capture some reconnaissance film to share.
This video is approximately is less than one minute in length.
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Marvin Nielsen says
When I happened on the vultures Saturday morning about 8 am they were at least primarily black vultures. I just drove through them slowly. All the vultures around here are somewhat slow in getting off the ground requiring a couple of hops. They are not infrequently hit when drivers don’t give them room to take off. https://a-z-animals.com/blog/black-vulture-vs-turkey-vulture/
Constance Del Nero says
I am quite fascinated by this gathering. I live near the grain elevator and I enjoy seeing the birds confabulate. My husband and I joke about them living in a bird hotel. Yes, they are a little spooky, but that’s OK. I bet they are great at pest control!
Lyn Banghart says
We have always enjoyed Vultures! We used to have gatherings in our back yard every evening. They were fascinating to watch. As long as they stayed in the trees it was okay. If they adopt the roof of your house it becomes a problem because of all their excrement! But they serve a useful purpose. They primarily eat carrion!
Deborah Dawkins says
Vultures are an integral part of the ecosystem. Leave them alone.