This is one of two turkey vultures that are roosting at an abandoned farm site north of Provost that is drawing the interest of an area biologist, Dave Moore of Vermilion because so little is known of the birds. The protected animals, though rare are not endangered and there may be only 200 pair in the province “but we just don’t know” says Moore. This bird and another—both atop an old farmhouse were born this spring and have a wingspan of approximately six feet. The biologist has been banding some of the birds in east central Alberta and planned to make a trip here to see these. The birds—though not aggressive to people will hiss and even try to vomit on someone who gets close to them. Grown turkey vultures—though large—weigh under 10 pounds and use their hooked beak to rip into dead cows, deer and other animals. This bird has likely been flying only since the end of August or early September and it’s likely parents are living nearby. Although it’s not confirmed the vultures may head to the southern U.S., Central or even the northern part of South America for the winter though some have been spotted in Alberta during the winter. When Fish and Wildlife officer Lee Robley first came to this area about a decade ago he saw a turkey vulture and wondered what it was. Since that time there have been reports of sightings near Metiskow and at Dilberry Lake. With more wing banding it is hoped the birds can be tracked to find out where they fly to, the end of next month or in early November. No one seems to know at what age the birds begin to breed. ©Provost News Photo.