Buzzards (Turkey Vultures) in Georgia: Habits and Identification

The "buzzards" you see are turkey vultures (Cathartes aura), distinguished by their keen sense of smell—rare among birds. They roost communally in large trees away from human activity, soaring for hours on thermals. In rural areas, they follow each other to carcasses. They're nature's cleanup crew, not predators. While their presence can be unsettling, they pose no threat to pets or livestock. Appreciate their ecological role from a distance.