Backyard Buzzards

The "buzzards" may conjure up images in one's mind of a large birds circling high up waiting to attack it's prey, or the feathered frenzy of beaks and preay in chaos. Well, please allow me to introduce you to our buzzards. These are the unique duck-like birds that hang out in small clusters in our backyard. They sit in a partially shaded area, relaxed and comfortable, minding their own business. They seem friendly. When I begin talking with these birds, they get up and take a few steps closer and seem quite interested in what I have to say, which is mostly "hello" and "how are you today," etc. If I get too close to them, they start to slowly stroll a few feet away. They fly around the lake, take a swim now and then, and dine out. The only time we see them get a little flustered is when another buzzard that is not part of their pack comes over. That's when the dominant ones will do what they need to to scare it off. I haven't figured out what's going on yet, but will keep studying them. They will peck at it, and wings flare open, squawking starts, and they all start running. They might even take the squabble in to the lake and swim a circle around their territory. I kind of figure that is between buzzard and buzzard to work out. As far as our backyard, they are welcome.

What have we learned? A friend may look like a foe. Who would think that a buzzard would be awelcome guest !