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| Turkey Vultrures can often congregate in impressive numbers just north of Hardwick Common |
Hardwick Vulture Roost
Beginning in mid-March and continuing on through the summer and into early
autumn, the Turkey Vulture roost just north of Hardwick Common on route 32A is an impressive sight. In the evening often
large numbers of birds (25-50+) drift in over the Valley to visibily perch in the White Pines across the way. Then
again in the early morning the Vultures will slowly rise away from the pines to circle up into thermals of warm air and drift
off over the horizon.
This spectacle is best viewed from behind the Hardwick
Highway Department. Beginning at Hardwick Common, drive north on route 32A for about 1/3 mile, passing first, Butler's
Garage, then the Hardwick Fire Department on the left, before a rough drive divides the Fire Department and the
Highway Department Barn. Turn left onto this rough drive, behind the Highway Barn, and park at the far west edge of
the gravelly Highway Yard. The roost is typically in the large White Pine stand southwest across the Vally, and will
be obvious if there are airborne Vultures approaching it. Of course, this parking area is a working environment, so
be mindful of any operations in the yard. Dusk is often the best time to observe, and by early summer dusk occurs well
past the typical 5PM quitting time of the Highway Department.
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