I didn't want to start another off-topic thread, so I'll tell this story here. My wife and I were walking the dog Monday morning, when we saw 4 large birds circling overhead. We're used to seeing Peregrine Falcons around here, but these were not falcons. One landed in a tree near us and my wife thought it was a turkey vulture. We got home and looked it up online and, sure enough, it
was a turkey vulture.
Why do I mention this here (other than to give "26 Year Gap" another reason to kid me about walking the dog)? Because in the article describing the turkey vultrue, we read the following:
Quote:
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Its primary form of defense is vomiting. These birds do not "projectile vomit," as many would claim. They simply cough up a lump of semi-digested meat. This foul-smelling substance deters most creatures intent on raiding a vulture nest. It will also sting if the offending animal is close enough to get the vomit in its face or eyes.
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They'll literally puke on your shoes!!! Are turkey vultures the ancient ancestors of basketball officials? Do turkey vultures also employ the dreaded "stare at their pants" defense? Inquiring minds want to know!