War against the Black Vultures at ENP

The rangers have finally taken action against the black vultures at Anhinga Trail in ENP. They have place several dead vultures all around the parking lot hanging from trees and poles. Theory is the birds will not roost in an area with dead birds (of their own kind) ... so far it has not affect them at all, still numerous and all up to their usual destructive activities !!!

Does look kind of odd seeing all those dead birds hanging !! Waiting to see what happens !!! They are fun to photograph when there is nothing else going on !!

I'm just glad I wasn't holding my shotgun when I took this shot!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2859889...7622991627482/

Robert

Hi Robert Those birds are brutal ... but I have observed they only work hard on a few cars, still not sure what a better target. The lady that works in the little shop runs after them in the parking lot with a broom, wouldn't be surprised if she is the one that supplied the birds :) ... btw Anhinga was very good this morning, best to show up half hour before sunrise and walk all the way to the back !! Lots of good flight against the color !!!

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Originally Posted by rwhitaker

I'm just glad I wasn't holding my shotgun when I took this shot!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2859889...7622991627482/

Robert

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That looks like Merc in image :eek::eek::eek:

I arrived before dawn and left shortly after, maybe an hour. Those little black crappers, not only did they leave a lovely green layer of crap over my car, but ate the weather strip from around the sunroof $$$. Sooo pissed!


I have had success keeping critters (Squirrels, Iguana, etc.), out of my fruit trees by tossing rubber snakes or just brightly collard bungee cords into the trees. I have not tried it on these guys yet. Thought I would park during mid day and observe their reaction.


The park needs to take some effective action, a “sign” is not effective. I would love to participate in the hanging of these guys…<O:p</O:p


Yes Alfred, the Anhinga once again have chosen a great nesting spot for photographers.
Robert

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Originally Posted by Alfred Forns

. They have place several dead vultures all around the parking lot hanging from trees and poles.

Does look kind of odd seeing all those dead birds hanging !!

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Of course it won't work. When is the last time you have seen a dead bird hanging from a tree ? Even a "dumb" vulture is smarter than that.

I remember being at Myakkas State Park and coming across a parked station wagon with 25 or more Black Vultures jumping all over it. I was glad that I had walk to this area and left my car in the main parking lot

Camped at Flamingo all the time when I was a kid (dad stationed at Homestead) but never recall seeing a buzzard back then.

Hmm maybe they should try this lawn mower trick I read about.. (-:} HERE

Arlon you should email that to the Park Ranges .... they might just do it :)

... btw even today they don't congregate in Flamingo like they do at Anhinga, no sure why they like it there !!!

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Originally Posted by Alfred Forns

Arlon you should email that to the Park Ranges .... they might just do it :)

... btw even today they don't congregate in Flamingo like they do at Anhinga, no sure why they like it there !!!

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Foooooood!

I have an old truck I could donate as bait... Should work a whole lot better than a gallon can!

Where did those Rangers get all of those dead Vultures that they are hanging in the trees..?? I hope they did not shoot them or kill them by another means, as the Black and Turkey Vultures are a protected species in the State of Florida..

Dave.

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Originally Posted by rwhitaker

I have an old truck I could donate as bait... Should work a whole lot better than a gallon can!

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.... they are very picky on what they eat :D:)

Dave glad you mentioned they are protected, the sign they have right below a hanging bird says they came from a dump? ... I didn't know you could find dead birds over there, I'm sure they shot them? Does look awful seeing them hanging down with wings stretched !!! ... not a pretty sight !!!

"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder". :cool:

Robert

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Originally Posted by Harshad Barve

That looks like Merc in image :eek::eek::eek:

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Shows that at least they have good taste!!! Pun intended:):)

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Originally Posted by Alfred Forns

.... they are very picky on what they eat :D:)

Dave glad you mentioned they are protected, the sign they have right below a hanging bird says they came from a dump? ... I didn't know you could find dead birds over there, I'm sure they shot them? Does look awful seeing them hanging down with wings stretched !!! ... not a pretty sight !!!

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I spoke with one of the volunteers in the park and they got the dead vultures from Mt Trashmore. It seems dead vultures are common in dumps as a result of eating something toxic or other. Also, I was at AT today and while there were hundreds of vultures on and around the trail, there were none in the parking lot. Perhaps the "effigy" is working. This was amazing to me given the number of birds present. I'm guessing the excessive fish kill is keeping the buzzards quite busy and why pick at rubber on cars when there is a smorgasboard of fish all around.:(