Tag: Nantucket birds

Turkey vulture soaring through a blue sky with its wings outstretched in a distinctive V shape.
Island Science

Climate Opportunist on the Rise

Turkey vultures are one of my favorite birds. I generally have a soft spot for the disparaged and underappreciated. However, for turkey vultures, my love for them comes down more to how they are perfectly suited for their actions: structure suits function. These beautiful (yeah, I said “beautiful”) birds are highly specialized. Their “naked” head is free of feathers, causing some to malign these majestic creatures for their wrinkly pink heads (the original skin heads). A head free of feathers allows this bird to feed on carrion without pesky feathers getting in the way or becoming contaminated.

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A Northern Harrier hawk soaring in flight against a clear blue sky, showing its distinctive spotted brown and white wing plumage
Island Science

The Ghost Hawk

Years ago, my husband and I eloped at a Nantucket conservation property. When we got to the location, we couldn’t decide exactly which spot to say our “I Do’s.” As we weighed the pros and cons of beach versus grassland, a female Northern Harrier flew low overhead. She landed on a post by one of the beach entrances and projectile pooped into the path. “That looks like the way,” I said to my betrothed. Seventeen years later the harrier blessing is still strong.

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