The "turkey trot" is a tradition on Thanksgiving morning in many communities across the country. People get up early and run a 5K (or sometimes more) before loading up on some holiday calories.
In Thompsonville, you'll find the Turkey Vulture Trot — an event to benefit the North Sky Raptor Sanctuary.
And one of the stars of the show is Tito, a 3-year-old turkey vulture.
"Tito came to the sanctuary because he was unable to migrate due to a dislocated shoulder," said Shelly Sissen-Burden, vice president of the sanctuary's board.
His injuries — even after care — don't allow him to fly long distances anymore so, Sissen-Burden says, he's had a "career change," now helping teach people about turkey vultures and other birds of prey.
The sanctuary is hoping to move into a permanent home at the old Camp Greilick property now maintained by Grand Traverse County.
"Our goal is to really bring a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve as a central resource for bird-of-prey rehabilitation, for wildlife education, but also scientific research," Sissen-Burden said.
