Turkey Vulures aren't supposed to stay in Michigan during winter

[neonvincent]

Yesterday, I saw two Turkey Vultures soaring over I-696 in Royal Oak. They're not supposed to be here now. They normally leave Michigan at the end of November and come back in March. My guess is that it has been a warm enough winter that they can still find thermals to help them gain altitude.

Reposted as a Facebook status.

Comments

[mizstorge]

Interesting! Saw a hawk in Shelby Twp this weekend, but I don't think I've seen a vulture since early December. OTOH, there's more of a heat island down Royal Oak way.

[neonvincent]

There certainly is, especially at the intersection of 696 and Woodward. When I worked at both Royal Oak and Farmington Hills, it was nearly always colder in Farmington Hills.

[mizstorge]

The microclimates around here are fascinating. For instance, watching the leaves changing color along the north/south highways.