I should like to point out that the Black Vulture has been increasing in numbers here in the upper Hudson Valley of New York.
Over the recent decade, the numbers have gone from zero to double digits with large roosts popping up in several locations including New Paltz (Ulster Co.), Hudson (Columbia Co.), New Baltimore (Greene Co.), and Colonie (Albany County). In eastern Putnam County, the Black Vulture easily outnumbers the Turkey Vulture - thanks to a large concentration near Brewster, NY. Rich Guthrie New Baltimore, The Greene County [email protected] http://blog.timesunion.com/birding _____ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Angus Wilson Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 8:13 PM To: NYSBirds Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Brooklyn BLVUs My sense is that there is something going on with Black Vultures all across the state (and the northeast, for that matter) not just Brooklyn. For example, there has been a flurry of sightings from western NY where the species has been pretty rare in the past. One couldn't fail to take notice when a birder as diligent as Willie D'Anna gets a new bird for his Niagara Region list! Out on eastern Long Island there have been at least 3 Black Vultures, so far this year: Two, 12 Jan 2010, over Main Street, Sag Harbor (Hugh McGuinness) One, 20 Feb 2010, over Montauk Village (Marguerite Wolffson, Carl Starace et al.) I've also noticed recent reports of Black Vultures from further afield including New Hampshire and Massachusetts, where I assume they are equally infrequent. The species seems quite widespread in Connecticut and I'd be interested to know if this is a new phenomenon. We've had some discussion on this forum as to whether the Prospect Park sightings are related to the one or more Black Vultures that maybe trying to nest again on the eastern edge of Staten Island - within easy sight of Brooklyn. I'm inclined to side with those who suspect the Prospect sightings are new birds that have wandered onto the island but this is hard to prove at this point. Although the distance is rather short it involves an over water crossing but I suppose the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge could provide a conduit. Of course, if anyone sees a Black Vulture carrying an EZ-Pass tag then we will know the score ;)) The Times They are A-Changin': This is an exciting time for students of bird demography, what with Common Raven's building nests in Queens (unimaginable a few years ago), and Sandhill Cranes now a frequent sight in much of the state. Maybe Black Vultures will continue to expand and nest on Long Island also? The perennially question to ponder is why these changes are happening. At a recent Queens County Bird Club meeting somebody suggested the expansion of Common Raven into low-lying areas might be to fill a niche created by the effects of West Nile Virus on American Crow populations. I don't know if there is data to support this, but the idea is an interesting one. Perhaps vultures would also benefit from the increased availability of carrion (e.g. road kill) that isn't being snapped up right away by a super abundance of crows? Fun stuff to ruminate on whilst we wait for warmer weather.... Cheers, Angus -- Angus Wilson New York City & The Springs, NY, USA http://birdingtotheend.blogspot.com/ -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
