[Tweeters] Turkey Vultures

[jimbetz at jimbetz.com]

Nelson,

   We live on the East side of Burlington Hill.  We have a 180 degree
view that goes from where I-5 enters the hills to the North (near
the casino) to the back side of the hills in East Mount Vernon.
That's actually over 180 degrees of sky.  Burlington Hill is about
325 feet high and we live near the 300 foot line.
   And we can see as far as the top of the Cascades to the East
(when the weather permits).  As I write this I can see at least to
the Western Edge of Sedro Wooley (yes, even in today's weather).
   We've lived here for 3 years.  The TUVUs we see are often/usually
below us but also come up to and above eye level as they use the
thermals/winds to climb up and over the hill.  Some times the TUVUs
come very close to us - I've seen them no further away than 30 feet.
   I was raised in Anacortes in the 50's and the 60's but left to
work in California.  I'm retired and in my late 70's so I might
make a mistake in IDing a TUVU once in a while - but not often.

   I have reflected on "why I tend to discount the presence of the
TUVUs".  I think there are two reasons - first because I don't
find them "pleasing to look at/watch" and second due to having
lived in California for over 50 years have grown accustomed to
seeing them.
   These two probably explain why I asked "what's the big deal
about seeing a TUVU?" and I apologize to you and everyone
about that.
                                        - respectfully ... Jim