Every so often, Jim “The Cowboy” Gray calls to comment on a story in that week’s paper. Several days ago, his target was a state story on the turkey vultures that return to Ellsworth yearly. Their visits have become so expected that the story cited unsuccessful efforts here to rid the town of the ugly birds.

The conclusion of experts interviewed for the story — the presence of turkey vultures is a product of climate change and they are probably here to stay, at least part of the year.

If that is indeed the case, Gray has an idea: make the most of our feathered friends. Celebrate their return with a party every year ... kind of like a turkey vulture version of Cowtown.

We could have a parade and sell tiny vulture souvenirs with Ellsworth, Kan. emblazoned on their chests. The possibilities are endless.

At the same time, Ellsworth could encourage an appreciation of this truly maligned creature. From the Wildlife Center of Virginia:

“They rid the landscape of deteriorating carcasses and help curb the spread of dangerous diseases and bacteria.”

Turkey vultures are part of nature’s cleanup crew.

Gray is right when he says almost every town has a flock. Think about it. Turkey vulture day could end with a big scavenger hunt that crosses county lines. And it all started right here, in Ellsworth County.