Hello and Diann and tweeters community,


I reviewed my notes from last year regarding Turkey Vultures and apologize to Diann for not getting the information to her before now.


On my way to film Plovers at the Pacific beaches, I passed McNight road at 4 PM, Monday September 28, 2009 and began to see TV's flying South, on a very warm day, apparently using Freeway- generated heat thermals for brief lift- so a several second pause. This is probably a site worth being aware of.


These are the actual numbers in groups, within about 17 minutes: 28 +2 +4 +4 +1 +2 +1 +1 +2 +58 +4 = 107. I was torn between staying on the side of the freeway and continuing to watch and count this significant pulse of TV's---- and making it to the coast to find the shorebirds I knew would be waiting. I continued on. Perhaps I saw the whole pulse or a fraction of the birds moving past that point. I almost always use a tripod when "filming", but rushed to my car to get my camera which resulted in a low-grade video clip of the largest group vortex, which, by the way, included one hawk (sp)- quite a sight.


I have learned to appreciate this species through interesting encounters: Out-manuevering a territorial Male Peregrine falcon(45 degree 300 foot stoop from perch that I was observing)- in his personal no fly zone- the Vulture was very impressive in her escape flight- they are usually such laid-back gliders-I still haven't figured out how the TV even saw the Peregrine coming- it veered off a millisecond before being taken-out by the falcon; the migration flight mentioned, eye level views toward me at close range in Yakima canyon; watching them take off, find thermals and disperse from a roost in Eastern Washington with later return for the evening; and trying to imagine that their sense of smell may be as well developed as a raptor's eyesight.


Diann, I believe I now understand your appreciation and study of this species. Thanks for sharing your updates with the group.


Best regards,
Dan Reiff
Mercer Island