Turkey Vultures can often be seen riding thermals in the sky, hardly flapping their wings as they float overhead. A consummate scavenger, they use their keen sense of smell to find the carrion they rely on.

Unlike most of the species we study, Turkey Vulture numbers have increased significantly in western Montana over the last few decades. However, little is known about our migratory population in the Intermountain West.

We began studying vultures in 2019 and have tracked the movements of over 50 individuals via GPS telemetry. We’ve learned a lot about the basic ecology of these secretive birds—where they spend their winters and the migratory routes they use to travel between here and there. We have also discovered that many vultures, like eagles, show elevated blood-lead levels.