Wildlife on the Farm

A turkey vulture atop one of the perches we erected for them and raptors, such as owls and hawks, surveying for carnage below. These wonderful creatures perform a critical function in nature and are essential for a healthy environment. You can often see them perched on fence posts stock still with wings spread, drying their feathers. I once found one dead in the forest surrounding the farm—probably a victim of “secondary poisoning.” It likely ate a dead rat that someone had poisoned. Never poison any creature, and discourage others from this ignorant practice. There are safe ways to deter rodents.

Can you guess why vultures have little or no neck feathers?