Date: 3/21/26 3:42 pm From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...> Subject: Mercer County Black Vultures
Greetings, PA Birds List Serve members, I am writing to share a particularly noteworthy observation from my home in Grove City, which strongly reinforces the compelling trend of Black Vulture range expansion within our state. This evening, precisely at 6:15 PM, I witnessed an impressive movement of raptors directly over my property. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, a dynamic kettle formed, comprised of a diverse aerial contingent. Among them were three magnificent Bald Eagles, gracefully carving arcs in the sky, alongside a substantial gathering of thirty-one Turkey Vultures. What truly captivated my attention, however, was a very distinct group of five Black Vultures. These five individuals maintained an unusually tight, compact formation, their flight style noticeably different from the more haphazard, wobbling flight of the Turkey Vultures. Their disciplined cohesion made them instantly identifiable and quite prominent within the larger kettle. For personal context, my last recorded sighting of a Black Vulture in this immediate vicinity was back in January 2022. This evening's observation of a quintet, flying with such purposeful unity, suggests a significant and potentially more established presence in this northern locale. This continued northward advancement of Black Vultures is a fascinating ecological development, and I encourage fellow birders to remain vigilant and share their own sightings, especially from areas where these birds were historically less common. Best regards, Randy StringerGrove City, PA Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
