We already know the Turkey Vulture as nature's vacuum cleaner, and appreciate it for keeping things tidy. But this recent article from Conservation Magazine suggests that the vultures may actually be protecting other birds and wildlife from disease by reducing the opportunity for these things to spread. We're not saying this because we want you to go out and give a Turkey Vulture a hug, but the next time you see one of them circling overhead you may want to send it a good thought. (photo by USFWS)