Bon Voyage to the Turkey Vultures
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Here's a personal story about a benefit in watching the creatures around you.
In summer, it gets hot here in Southern Arizona — even at elevation. It may not heat up like the cities in the low desert, but it's warm enough to render half your wardrobe useless. Every year, I tend to brace for the summer and power through it.
That's why it's important to look for reasons to love the most challenging season. Of course, monsoons storms top that list. But every year, native locals lament how the show isn't as impressive as it used to be.
A more dependable joy in spring and summer is the residency of the turkey vultures. You'll find them majestically perched on telephone poles and cottonwood trees, taking in the sun. But it's their behavior in the sky that really steals the show. When they fly low, it's a search for food just like any other bird. But at high altitude, they ride the thermals in what appears to be an activity of leisure and social connection. Watching their graceful choreography is guaranteed to lower your blood pressure.
As the turkey vultures depart the Mule Mountains for their winter homes, I'm overcome with gratitude. They give me another reason to look forward to next summer.
In summer, it gets hot here in Southern Arizona — even at elevation. It may not heat up like the cities in the low desert, but it's warm enough to render half your wardrobe useless. Every year, I tend to brace for the summer and power through it.
That's why it's important to look for reasons to love the most challenging season. Of course, monsoons storms top that list. But every year, native locals lament how the show isn't as impressive as it used to be.
A more dependable joy in spring and summer is the residency of the turkey vultures. You'll find them majestically perched on telephone poles and cottonwood trees, taking in the sun. But it's their behavior in the sky that really steals the show. When they fly low, it's a search for food just like any other bird. But at high altitude, they ride the thermals in what appears to be an activity of leisure and social connection. Watching their graceful choreography is guaranteed to lower your blood pressure.
As the turkey vultures depart the Mule Mountains for their winter homes, I'm overcome with gratitude. They give me another reason to look forward to next summer.