SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO-AM) -- Swarming, swirling flocks of turkey vultures circled the Pettigrew Heights neighborhood west of downtown Wednesday evening from 6 to 6:15 p.m.
Over 30 of the large scavengers swirled in a helix over the neighborhood for a time, then broke off into a couple different flocks, continuing their circling and gliding on either winds aloft or thermals.
According to a 2013 story by KELOLAND-TV, the turkey vultures are known to roost in the TV station's towers on Phillips Ave. KELO-AM is located across the street.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology notes that the large birds summer from southern Canada across much of the lower 48 states. They winter or live year around in the southeastern U.S., Central America, and South America.
Cornell says the birds are distinguished by the wobbly soaring, typically soar in small groups, and can pick meat off of dead animals without getting any residue on their bald heads.
For additional video of the turkey vultures, click here.