Summer Nature Video from the High Point Preserve 2024

This Summer’s nature watch brought some unusual sightings and behaviors.

We have been monitoring a porcupine den for a number of years, and this Summer some Turkey Vultures decided to move in for their nesting needs.

Turkey vultures often nest in cavities and caves along rock outcrops.

In this video, captured between June 2024 and August 2024, a pair of turkey vultures take up residence in a porcupine den.

We were hoping to track their breeding process from start to fledging, but something happened along the way.

We did get to witness some behaviors we had not seen previously, including bowing prior to entering the nesting cave, the male swapping places with the female, head drooping and mournful vocalizations, and visits by other flock members.

Not to be forgotten, a pair of porcupines meet outside the cave and have a discussion about prospects.

After the turkey vulture activity was completed, we briefly placed a trail camera just inside the cave entrance; it was then we saw some cave crickets for the first time.

Special thanks to Giulia Fantini and Patrick Donnelly for helping with the placing of cameras and collecting data.

Hope you enjoy the video. Please share it with your friends and family.

Link to Youtube video: