| Common Name | Black Vulture |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coragyps atratus |
| Type of Report | Out-of-Season |
| Date of Observation | 12/21/2017 |
| Number Observed | 1 |
| Reporting Observer's Name | Sara Griesemer |
| Mailing Address | 25 Country Lane Sunderland, MA 01375 United States Map It |
| Email hidden; Javascript is required. | |
| Date Completed | 12/29/2017 |
| Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | 0 |
| Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | 0 |
| Place Name | 91 South |
| Township | Guilford |
| County | Windham |
| Time of Day | 10:11 AM |
| Length of Time Observed | 30 seconds |
| Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 50 |
| Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 50 |
| Optical Equipment Used for Observation | None |
| Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species | First learned vulture differentiation in Florida where both are present. |
| I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event. | |
| Description of Habitat | Mixed woods and farm fields along side of highway |
| Behaviors Observed | Lifting off and beginning to circle over highway |
| Description of Vocalizations | None |
| Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation | Even though I was driving I had a good look at it because it was just lifting off and circling near me. I immediately saw big, black soaring bird with light "hands". Then I noted all black underside no patches of white, dark head without color, and the light hands were very obvious. Because it was big and black I knew it was either eagle or vulture. I ruled out eagle by the pure black. Then I ruled out Turkey Vulture because the tail was shorter and the light hands stood out. There was no two toned wings of the TV. |
| Relative Size & Shape | Very large, dark, broad wings, short wide tail |
| Head | Dark |
| Feet & Bill | Did not see |
| Upper Back | Did not see upper side |
| Lower Back & Rump | Did not see upper side |
| Wings | Large, black, with light "hands" |
| Breast, Belly, Flanks, Under Tail Coverts | Black |
| Tail | Black, short, widespread |
| IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different? | Eagle: Head and tail black. There was no white markings underneath at all that would indicate either immature eagle. |
| Other Notes & Comments | No |
| This report was written from notes taken: | Immediately After |
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