Some more form our walk (see the post before this one). The Fowler’s toad is dark one.
The last two photos were taken the next day as we left Chincoteague on June 8. The black vultures are eating a terrapin killed by a car. Marc was interviewed by a reporter for WBOC/Fox 21, of Delmarva on June 6. The young lady reporter wanted our opinion about terrapin road kills and what should be done. We said signs are needed, especially during nesting season. It is the female terrapins that are getting killed.
This should help sort them out a bit.
“Turkey vultures rely on their keen sense of smell to locate carcasses, making them one of the few birds in the animal kingdom with this ability. Black vultures use their eyes and tend to find food by following their red-headed cousins.
Black vultures also span wide territory but are more common in the southeastern U.S. and Latin America. In places like Southern Illinois, you might spot juvenile turkey vultures and black vultures sharing a perch.
Though they share the sky, the two birds have distinct roles in the New World ecosystem. The turkey vulture is a solitary scout with a powerful nose. The black vulture is a social forager with attitude.
Together, they clean up the environment, recycling waste and keeping disease in check — proof that even the less glamorous creatures have an essential role to play.”
Source: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/black-vulture-vs-turkey-vulture.htm
Interesting story about the terrapins. I wonder if anything will happen as a result of your reporting!
It would be nice to think so.
Are Black Vultures the more aggressive vulture?
This should help sort them out a bit.
“Turkey vultures rely on their keen sense of smell to locate carcasses, making them one of the few birds in the animal kingdom with this ability. Black vultures use their eyes and tend to find food by following their red-headed cousins.
Black vultures also span wide territory but are more common in the southeastern U.S. and Latin America. In places like Southern Illinois, you might spot juvenile turkey vultures and black vultures sharing a perch.
Though they share the sky, the two birds have distinct roles in the New World ecosystem. The turkey vulture is a solitary scout with a powerful nose. The black vulture is a social forager with attitude.
Together, they clean up the environment, recycling waste and keeping disease in check — proof that even the less glamorous creatures have an essential role to play.”
Source: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/black-vulture-vs-turkey-vulture.htm
I love the photos of the animals, especially that turtle!
Thanks Dan.
The toad is well camouflaged. Good suggestion re terrapins
Thanks Derrick. I am off to find a few butterflies. Insect populations are way down.