| Common Name | Black Vulture |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coragyps atratus |
| Type of Report | Out-of-Season |
| Date of Observation | 12/20/2017 |
| Media | |
| Number Observed | two |
| Reporting Observer's Name | Stacy Robinson |
| Mailing Address | 86 Viking Ln PO Box 92 Port Henry, NY 12974-1608 United States Map It |
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| Date Completed | 12/21/2017 |
| Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | 43 degrees 35'46.9" N |
| Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | 73 degrees 16'07.7"W |
| Place Name | 22N or Washington Street (Catholic Church) |
| Township | Fair Haven |
| County | Rutland |
| Vermont eBird Checklist URL | ebird.org |
| Time of Day | 11:35 AM |
| Length of Time Observed | 5 minutes |
| Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 100' |
| Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 75' |
| Optical Equipment Used for Observation | Vortex 10X42 binoculars |
| Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species | We have had regularly occurring BLVU sightings in and around the Ticonderoga, NY area over the past year and a half. I have also seen many BLVU on my annual visits to Florida. |
| I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event. | |
| Description of Habitat | both birds flew over the roof and perched on church chimney |
| Description of Vocalizations | none heard |
| Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation | While driving north on 22A I caught only a glimpse of the first bird. I noted a very large black bird with a substantial wingspan. I also noticed the white at the tips of its wings. I had a slightly better look at the second bird including its short squared tail as they both dove over the roof of the church and temporarily out of view. I continued along the road until I could see the building and parking lot. I pulled over directly across the street from what turned out to be the Catholic Church. From my car window I saw that both birds had landed on the church chimney and were clearly BLVU. I knew this species was not common in VT and it would also be considered late in the year for any Vulture sighting so I grabbed my camera and snapped a couple pictures. Through my bins I saw them preening themselves and briefly each other. |
| Relative Size & Shape | large black vultures with black heads and wide wings with white at the tips only. Their tails were short and squared. |
| IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different? | Eliminated TUVU by the white feathering seen only at the tips of their wings and their short squared tails. Eliminated juvenile BAEA by shape and |
| This report was written from notes taken: | Written from Memory |