While they certainly don’t have a very good reputation, I can vouch for the fact that there’s one positive aspect about the turkey vultures that are so common in the Ozarks: They are extremely good at flying.
From where my wife and I live high above the Big Piney River, it’s common to see buzzards flying back and forth through or high above the river valley. Over the years, we began to take notice of how well they do it and now we fully recognize their talent for flight.
I know, many people consider these birds to be hideous and evil, and there’s good reason for that because they’ve been known to do some atrocious stuff and it’s understandable that someone could hate a bird that has killed a baby calf or lamb on their property.
But I’m only referring to the way vultures fly. I mean, it looks so effortless as they glide and soar around sometimes without flapping a wing for several minutes at a time. I even believe they’re not just going through the motions of being a buzzard, but are actually having fun taking advantage of their situation and enjoying their God-given ability to defy gravity.
It’s really quite impressive to see one of these big birds (commonly with wingspans of over five feet) circle the valley, climb on an updraft or dive toward the water as they remain aloft for lengthy periods without so much as a single flap. And they’ll often do it with friends, banking and descending in formation as if putting on a show for whoever might be watching (and perhaps they’re aware that we are).
The National Wildlife Federation tabs the hummingbird as the “most acrobatic” flyer. I think that’s kind of odd, because I’ve seen a lot of hummingbirds in flight and the word “acrobatic” just doesn’t come to mind, but rather something more like “hectic” or “hurried.”
But I would definitely use that word to describe a buzzard in flight, along with “smooth,” “fluent” and again, “effortless.” I also equate their flying with a relaxed calmness, and it invokes a feeling of serenity.
Sure, as I referred to earlier, vultures are often viewed as invasive varmints and are commonly associated with death and disruption. But they’re also master aviators with an incredible gift for aeronautical grace that’s not hard to admire.
For the record, turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) occupy a massive range that extends from southern Canada to the southern tip of South America and are very adaptable, living in a variety of environments, including subtropical forests, shrublands, pastures, and even deserts. Interestingly, it’s no accident that they’re are so good at soaring, because all birds that have long, broad wings with slotted wingtips are able to stay airborne for a long time without flapping their wings. I guess that goes for birds with broad wings with slotted wingtips that are kind of beat up or damaged, too, because I’ve seen buzzards with pretty disheveled-looking wings have no trouble cruising around just like their more dapper cohorts.
Anyway, if you’ve never paid attention to a vulture in flight, I recommend doing so for at least a moment or two. I guarantee you’ll witness an extraordinarily wonderful example of how to fly.
Doug Davison is a writer, photographer and newsroom assistant for the Houston Herald. Email: ddavison@houstonherald.com.
