Black vultures (Coragyps atratus) are part of nature's way of ensuring nothing goes to waste. These carrion-eating birds feed on roadkill and other dead animals, often following the turkey vultures around (turkey vultures have a better sense of smell) and then kicking them off the carcass.
Family Values at State Line Lookout
On November 6, 2019, a black vulture family shared a ledge with a couple of turkey vultures. After the turkey vultures left, the family proceeded to clean the bugs off of each other.
Black vulture family, State Line Lookout, November 6, 2019
I was able to get relatively close to the preening vultures, and the video shows their interactions. It is set to music by Edvard Grieg.
Black vulture family portraits, State Line Lookout, November 6, 2019
Buzzard Beach Party
A kettle of 14 vultures, both black and turkey, descended on Midland Beach on Staten Island on Oct. 28, apparently drawn by muskrat carrion (probably washed up from the ocean). They sunned and communed until dispersed by a beach walker, leaving one turkey vulture behind to dine on the carrion. (There is some graphic vulture eating at the end of the video.)
Black vultures (left) joined turkey vultures on Midland Beach to eat muskrat carrion on October 28, 2019
First Look at the State Line Lookout Black Vultures
Black vultures, State Line Lookout, Palisades Interstate Park, March 6, 2018
The Filming the Feathers video was shot at State Line Lookout (the border between New York and New Jersey in Palisades Interstate Park) on October 13 and November 3, 2017, and March 6, 2018. It is set to music by Gabriel Fauré, obtained from MusOpen.org, a royalty-free music source.
Black vulture, State Line Lookout, October 13, 2017
Black vulture, State Line Lookout, November 3, 2017
Black vultures, State Line Lookout, March 6, 2018
The photos below were taken November 3, 2017, and March 6, 2018, at State Line Lookout.
