Turkey Vultures

We'd like to thank the Cannon Falls Beacon for allowing us to share this photo, taken recently in that area by them.  

Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are amazing animals. They are one of nature's recyclers by being a scavenger and eating carrion. Turkey vultures commonly dine and roost together at night.

Turkey vultures will roost in trees in large numbers but a human made structure like the antennae pictured will do in a pinch. Luckily each one only weighs in at about 3-4 pounds!

Turkey vultures are the only vulture currently that makes Minnesota their summer home. These birds make their way in the fall to the southern states and into Central and South America.