Have you ever heard of Buzzards Day? It’s not your typical holiday, but it’s one of the most unique nature celebrations in the U.S.
Every year, on March 15, people in Hinckley, Ohio, gather to witness the return of the turkey vultures—also known as buzzards—to their town.
These birds aren’t just any ordinary scavengers. They play a crucial role in keeping nature clean by feeding on dead animals, preventing the spread of disease.
But despite their importance, they’re often misunderstood.
Buzzards Day is a time to appreciate these incredible birds and the work they do for our environment.
Let’s take a deep dive into the origins of this day, the science behind turkey vultures, and why they deserve more respect than they usually get.
The Story Behind Buzzards Day: How It All Began
The tradition of Buzzards Day started in Hinckley, Ohio, in the 1950s. But the story dates back much further.
In 1818, after a harsh winter, a group of settlers cleared land in Hinckley and left behind animal remains from a massive hunt.
As spring arrived, a huge flock of turkey vultures showed up to feast on the leftovers. The pattern repeated year after year—the buzzards always returned on March 15.
By the 1950s, a local Cleveland Metroparks ranger, Walter Nawalaniec, decided to make it official. He predicted that the buzzards would return on March 15, and sure enough, they did.
Ever since then, Hinckley has celebrated this day with birdwatching events, pancake breakfasts, and nature programs.
What Are Turkey Vultures and Why Are They Important?
Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura), commonly called buzzards in the U.S., are among the most efficient scavengers in nature.
They may not be the prettiest birds, but they are critical for the environment.
1. They Prevent the Spread of Disease:
Turkey vultures feed on dead animals, which helps prevent bacteria and viruses from spreading.
Their stomach acid is so strong that it kills dangerous pathogens like anthrax, rabies, and botulism.
2. They Act as Nature’s Cleanup Crew:
Without scavengers like buzzards, rotting carcasses would pile up, creating a breeding ground for disease.
These birds keep the environment clean and balanced.
3. They Are Completely Harmless to Humans:
Unlike birds of prey like eagles or hawks, buzzards don’t kill.
- They only eat what’s already dead.
- They don’t attack pets, livestock, or people.
4. They Help Scientists Track Environmental Health:
Because turkey vultures feed on carrion, their population health can indicate how well an ecosystem is doing.
A decline in vultures could mean more pollution, poisoning, or habitat loss.
Amazing Facts About Turkey Vultures
Turkey vultures have some of the most bizarre yet fascinating survival traits:
Fact 1 – They Smell Better Than Most Birds
Unlike most birds, turkey vultures have an incredible sense of smell.
They can detect rotting meat from over a mile away, which helps them find food efficiently.
Fact 2 – They Poop on Their Legs to Stay Cool
This may sound disgusting, but it’s called urohidrosis.
By excreting on their legs, they cool down their bodies and kill bacteria from the dead animals they eat.
Fact 3 – They Play Dead When Threatened
If a predator gets too close, a turkey vulture might play dead or vomit to scare it away.
Fact 4 – They Soar Without Flapping Much
Turkey vultures ride warm air currents, allowing them to glide for hours without using much energy.
This is why you often see them circling high in the sky.
Common Myths About Buzzards (And The Truth!)
Despite their importance, turkey vultures have a bad reputation.
Let’s bust some myths:
Myth 1: Buzzards are Dangerous
- Truth: Turkey vultures don’t attack living animals. They are completely harmless to humans and pets.
Myth 2: Buzzards Bring Bad Luck
- Truth: Many cultures associate vultures with death, but in reality, they bring balance to nature by cleaning up dead matter.
Myth 3: They Kill Livestock
- Truth: Unlike black vultures (which sometimes attack weak livestock), turkey vultures only eat what’s already dead.
Threats to Turkey Vultures and Why We Need to Protect Them
Even though turkey vultures are not endangered, they face threats that could harm their populations over time.
1. Poisoning:
Farmers sometimes poison carcasses to kill predators like coyotes.
Unfortunately, vultures that eat the poisoned meat die too.
2. Habitat Destruction:
Deforestation and urban expansion reduce their nesting areas, making it harder for them to breed.
3. Car Collisions:
Since they feed on roadkill, many turkey vultures get hit by cars while eating on highways.
4. Misunderstanding and Persecution:
Some people mistakenly fear or dislike buzzards, leading to unnecessary killings.
How Can We Help?
- Educate others about their importance.
- Support conservation groups that protect vultures.
- Avoid using poison that can harm scavengers.
- Slow down when driving near roadkill.
How Buzzards Day is Celebrated in Hinckley, Ohio
Every year on March 15, Hinckley throws a huge celebration to welcome the buzzards back.
Here’s what happens:
- Early morning birdwatching: Crowds gather at Hinckley Reservation to see the first turkey vulture of the season.
- Pancake breakfasts: A long-time tradition where visitors enjoy a meal while learning about buzzards.
- Educational talks and nature hikes: Experts discuss vulture conservation and their ecological role.
- Family-friendly activities: Games, crafts, and interactive exhibits for kids.
If you ever get the chance, visiting Hinckley on Buzzards Day is an unforgettable experience!
How You Can Celebrate Buzzards Day from Anywhere
Even if you’re not in Ohio, you can still celebrate Buzzards Day and raise awareness about these important birds.
- Go birdwatching – Visit a local nature reserve and try to spot turkey vultures.
- Learn more about vultures – Read up on their role in the ecosystem.
- Share awareness – Post about Buzzards Day on social media to help change the negative perception of vultures.
- Support wildlife conservation – Donate to groups that protect scavenger species.
Bottom Line
Turkey vultures may not be the most glamorous birds, but they are vital to our environment.
Without them, we’d have a lot more disease and rotting carcasses lying around.
Buzzards Day is more than just a quirky holiday—it’s a chance to recognize and appreciate these incredible birds.
So, next time you see a turkey vulture soaring in the sky, remember: they’re nature’s cleanup crew, keeping our world a cleaner, healthier place.