While on a backroad ramble, I stopped to take a picture of this corn crib.
After noticing a bird on the top, I zoomed in. Instead of the usual Turkey Vulture spotted in this part of the country, I discovered a Black Vulture. They are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which means it's illegal to harm, harass, or kill them without a permit. Ranchers in Oklahoma are not fond of these birds. The vultures often wait until the mama isn't watching and kill calves and foals.
We are living in the upper central part of Illinois and according to this map we are well north of their range.
Linking to Saturday Critters
Nice blog.
ReplyDeleteExcellent capture of the black vulture.
ReplyDeleteOh, I’m truly fascinated to see that vulture in Illinois 🦅! We spotted Black Vultures three years ago on our trip to Costa Rica.
ReplyDeleteFinding a balance between farming and rare wildlife is never easy 🌿. In Austria, wolves, lynxes, and bears were once extinct, but in recent years they’ve been wandering back across our borders. Of course, this leads to discussions with farmers, as the animals can sometimes cause damage. I understand both sides – yet in my heart, I lean toward protecting livestock with safe measures rather than harming the wild creatures 🐾.
Thank you for my comment!
All the best from Austria,
Traude
🌿 https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/08/mit-dem-enkel-durchs-waldviertel-und-in.html
Your comment, not "my" - sorry 😅
ReplyDelete...I would have taken it as a barn, not a corn crib!
ReplyDeleteWe are down South in their zone and we do see them fairly often!
ReplyDeleteWe have lots of Turkey Vultures in South Florida- although I wouldn't know the difference if it were a black vulture. How unbelievable that they can kill a calf. No wonder farmers don't like them.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder they are an endangered species!
ReplyDeleteGreat captured, Loved the post.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful blog and lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Irma
Very interesting banner! And "Ann’s Cooking from Scratch" sounds interesting, too (but Jamie Oliver taught me to cook - are your books for sale? Sorry, when I "meet" someone I look into their "about"-section....).
ReplyDeleteI remember an episode of "The Mentalist" where your this-post was a subject, tool!
They are very special birds. Nice photo.
ReplyDeleteI guess I must be the only one to think that they are not very pretty birds or very nice to baby animals.
ReplyDeleteI don't know well birds, they didn't like me because I had 5 cats ! But here in our park we have a lot of crows they make a hell of a noise but are friends with our 6 castle cats !
ReplyDeleteIt is a total myth that vultures kill calves and foals. Their bills and talons are not strong enough to do so, and all vultures feed on carrion, usually waiting a day or two for the carcass to soften up a little bit before becoming putrid. They do an admirable job of cleaning up roadkill.
ReplyDeleteHello Betty,
ReplyDeleteI love both the corn crib scene and the Black Vulture! The vultures are a great clean up crew! Love the photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your critters! Take care, have a great week ahead! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Your vulture looks like he is on guard duty. A great capture.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Awesome photo of the Black Vulture ~ thanks,
ReplyDeleteThanks also for commenting on my new blog ~
an artist reflects