I noticed the same thing in NC with turkey vultures. If I fly in the early morning when the lift is weak but building, all I have to do is start circling. Then out of no where, I have 2 of them circling with me. Then 2 minutes later, I had almost 10 with me circling. They stayed for about a minute and disbanded.

I think the circling may mean that you found food so it is like a call sign to anyone in eyeshot. If I fly straight, they do not seem to hang around. If they get too close, startup the motor. That usually sends them away.


Scot