Every fall and winter
hundreds of Black Vultures
roost in the woods across the road.

During the day they
go to work, cleaning up road kill
and other carron. 

Before sunset, they return, on 
high circular flight paths 
slowly descending lower and lower

finally, awkwardly landing on
a favored limb,
a dozen or so birds to a tree.

They are quiet,
except for occasional 
flapping.

On cold mornings, some spread 
their wings, backs to the sun, 
showing off impressive wingspans. 

They are good neighbors and
every year, I look forward
to their return.

I wonder if sky burials 
are legal in Kentucky.