Northeast
Vultures deemed 'too drunk to fly' after dumpster diving taken to 'rehab' center
Perhaps these solar eclipse spectators had a little bit too much fun preparing for the event — two black vultures found “drunk” inside a dumpster in Watertown, Connecticut.
The vultures were rescued by Watertown Animal Control the day before the eclipse on April 7, and transported to A Place Called Hope, a wildlife rehabilitation center just under an hour away in Killingworth.
“The most peculiar symptoms had to do with the fact that they were in and out of consciousness,” A Place Called Hope Director Christine Cummings shared in an interview with Fox News Digital.
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“One moment, [they] passed out, the next they were explosive and feisty. We had to run a battery of tests to eliminate our theories, and kept fearing the worst.”
The many tests determined that the dumpster-diving birds of prey were simply “too drunk to fly.”
Two black vultures were discovered in a Watertown, Conn., dumpster “drunk” off of fermented foods. They were then rehabilitated by A Place Called Hope, a rehabilitation center for wild birds. (A Place Called Hope)
According to Cummings, working with drunken birds is nothing new, as the two likely became intoxicated after feasting on fermented foods in the uncovered garbage bin.
“We have dealt with intoxicated songbirds from fermented berries in the fall, and drunken crows who also consumed fermented bar fruit from a dumpster behind an establishment,” she said.
However, these intoxicated vultures mark a first for the wildlife center, as birds of prey “eat [a] whole prey diet, whereas corvids and vultures are omnivores and take advantage of the foods they scavenge.”
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The two vultures required what any human would need after enjoying a raucous night out — plenty of rest, fluids, and a hearty breakfast.
A Place Called Hope released the birds back into the wild on April 9, where they immediately regrouped with their colony.
Two black vultures were discovered in a Watertown, Connecticut dumpster “drunk” off of fermented foods. They were then rehabilitated by A Place Called Hope, a rehabilitation center for wild birds. (A Place Called Hope)
Cummings offered an important reminder to folks eager to rescue an animal in distress: “For anyone who comes across a wild animal in distress, they should consider the dangers involved with the species and the way they defend themselves before attempting to contain,” she said.
“The predatory birds of prey species can be dangerous to handle due to their taloned feet, so some experience is necessary.”
Two black vultures were discovered in a Watertown, Conn., dumpster “drunk” off of fermented foods. They were then rehabilitated by A Place Called Hope, a rehabilitation center for wild birds. (A Place Called Hope)
It is recommended not to approach wild animals, but to swiftly call local animal control or relevant authorities instead.
While birds flying intoxicated may not be illegal in Connecticut, “These two [vultures] were underage!” Cummings said.
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It seems every season there’s a southern Maine pitcher or two headed to big-time college baseball.
Meet Hunter Finck, a Gorham High junior and the newest mound star.
Casual fans of Class A South baseball might be wondering, “Hunter who?” After all, Finck threw just one inning for the Rams as a sophomore because of shoulder tightness. It was his Gorham teammate, Wyatt Nadeau, now at Vanderbilt, who was getting the headlines.
But, “when you say Hunter, everyone around here knows who you’re talking about,” said Gorham coach Ed Smith.
For several reasons.
Finck, 17, has been a standout for several years, always playing up an age group or two at the local level. Since he was 15, he’s pitched for Atlanta-based Team Elite Baseball at premier national showcase tournaments. On Dec. 8, Finck, a powerfully built 6-foot-1, 205-pound right-hander, committed to Alabama, a rising program in the power-packed Southeastern Conference.
Throughout the 2025 summer, playing for both Team Elite and Portland-based Maine Lightning Baseball, Finck built his arm strength back up to where it had been in 2024, when his fastball first crossed the 90 mph threshold. But it wasn’t until early October when Finck was ready to show his true self.
In back-to-back tournaments in Florida with Team Elite’s top team, Finck impressed. On the second weekend, competing in the Perfect Game WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Florida, his fastball was up to 93 mph, his curveball was sharp, and a developing changeup was effective.
“It really came to life for Hunter in the fall,” said Brooke Richards, Team Elite’s national high school director. Richards said the college recruiters who rightfully saw question marks around Finck because of his limited track record “were probably scrambling at the same time.”
Alabama coach Rob Vaughn and his staff made an early impression.
Two months later, Finck was touring Alabama’s campus in Tuscaloosa.
On the plane ride home, Finck said he knew he’d found the right spot, and he committed before the plane landed in New England.
Finck would be the first Mainer to pitch for Alabama, but recruiting pitchers from Maine is not new to Vaughn. As the head coach at Maryland (2018-23), Vaughn coached York’s Trevor Labonte for three seasons. Greely’s Zach Johnston originally committed to Maryland before opting to attend Wake Forest.
Finck said there were other schools from the Power 4 conferences (SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC) that pursued him.
“I looked at all of them seriously. I thought all of them were great, but I just really wanted to go to Alabama, especially after I saw it,” he said. “I feel like they really wanted me. I have a very good relationship with all of their coaches, so that’s one of the main reasons.”
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WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT HUNTER FINCK?
Gorham senior Miles Brenner is a strong pitcher in his own right. He’s committed to play at Wheaton College, annually among the top NCAA Division III programs in New England.
“What stands out about Hunter is obviously his velocity, his power,” Brenner said. “But it’s also his mindset. He’s always working, always trying to get better.”
Smith, Gorham’s coach, points to several factors that predict future success for Finck: His progression has always “been ahead of the curve;” he’s been a hard thrower from an early age who has the strong frame to support increased velocity; and “his compete level is off the charts.”
Smith and Richards both describe Finck as having a commanding presence and in-control demeanor on the mound.
“For a kid who doesn’t have a lot of innings under his belt, his composure on the mound is very good. It’s very professional,” Richards said. “Pitching-wise, it’s hard stuff. He attacks. It’s a fastball with life. He has good feel for three pitches that typically he’s very good commanding. When he misses, it’s not by much.”
SO FAR THIS SEASON
Though he has a bright future ahead, Finck is focused on Gorham baseball this spring. In his first start, he threw four innings of one-hit ball, striking out eight in an 8-1 season-opening win against Sanford at Goodall Park.
” data-image-caption=”<p>Gorham’s Hunter Finck celebrates after getting out of an inning against Sanford on April 24. (Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer)
” data-large-file=”https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?w=780″ height=”300″ width=”251″ alt=”” class=”wp-image-7639154″ srcset=”https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg 2377w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=251,300 251w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=768,919 768w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=856,1024 856w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=1284,1536 1284w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=1712,2048 1712w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=1200,1435 1200w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=2000,2392 2000w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=780,933 780w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/20260424_hunterfinck002.jpg?resize=400,478 400w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px”/><figcaption>Gorham’s Hunter Finck celebrates after getting out of an inning against Sanford on April 24. (Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer)<span class=)
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On Tuesday, he threw a two-hitter in an 8-0 win against previously unbeaten Cheverus. It was the first time he’d pitched seven innings since his freshman year. Standing tall, with a strong power stride, Finck started the game with a 93 mph fastball and was still throwing 90 in the fourth inning. Through five innings, he allowed two singles, and with sharp command of his fastball and curveball, he did not get to a three-ball count. A few pitches got away from Finck in the sixth and seventh after Gorham scored its eighth run (on a Finck RBI single), but with help from an errorless defense, he worked around a walk in each inning and finished his shutout with nine strikeouts.
The Rams have a deep pitching staff. In addition to Finck and Brenner, senior Wyatt Washburn is another future college pitcher — he’s headed to Colby College. Add in Nadeau and Jack Karlonas (Husson) from last year’s Gorham team, and Finck has benefited from being surrounded by older teammates who can offer advice, give support, and engage in mature conversations about the craft of pitching.
Of Nadeau, a 6-foot-6 right-hander who has drawn regular starts in his first season at Vanderbilt, Finck said, “he helped me to see what it was like to be at that level and show me everything that goes with it. … He showed me what the standard is.”
Washburn said of Finck, “He’s just one of those guys that loves the game of baseball and wants to be doing it all the time. It’s the love of the game and his work ethic.”
With Gorham having plenty of quality pitching, Finck will not be overtaxed. Smith has said he expects to stick to a three-starter rotation. That could also ease the pressure of being “the Alabama kid,” as Smith said he heard opposing players call Finck during the preseason.
The way Finck sees it, his choice of college doesn’t change anything in the present. Opponents might think of him as the Alabama kid, but he’s pitching for the Gorham Rams, always trying to compete and play at his best to help his team win.
“So, nerves are the same,” he said. “Pressure’s the same, in my opinion. Just with a label on it.”
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Massachusetts residents love their beach towns.
And Condé Nast Magazine loves two particular beach towns in the Bay State, but surprisingly didn’t pick a beach on Cape Cod.
That’s why the towns were included on the magazine’s 2025 list of the 17 best beach towns on the East Coast.
“Whether you’re looking to lay out on the sand in summer or prefer walking along the water spotting wildlife and collecting rocks, the shores of the East Coast have a little something for everyone,” Condé Nast stated on its website.
Here’s more about the magazine’s favorite beach towns in Massachusetts.
Oak Bluffs ranked No. 5 on the list
Coming in at number 5 is one of the most popular spots on Martha’s Vineyard – Oak Bluffs.
What they said: “The colorful gingerbread houses for which Oak Bluffs is known are straight out of a storybook. Visitors walk straight off their boats into Ocean Park, a circular green overlooking the sea, encircled by said houses, with a frothy, delicate gazebo sitting in the center. Oak Bluffs has a long history of welcoming Black visitors, and today it is home to the annual African-American Film Festival.”
Rockport ranked No. 4 on the list
Rockport is a town on the North Shore of the Bay State.
What they said: “The coastal region is known for its excellent seafood, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks. Many a good film has been filmed here as well, such as Martin Scorsese’s ‘Shutter Island’ and Kenneth Lonergan’s ‘Manchester-by-the-Sea.’
“Forty miles north of Boston, (Rockport) has a can’t-miss natural gem in Halibut Point State Park, from which visitors can spot Maine in the distance 80 miles away. Rockport is also beloved by art history buffs: it is home to Motif Number 1, a fishing shack with the superlative ‘the most-often painted building in America.’ It was built in 1840, and was a popular subject because it represented New England’s nautical character.”
What other regions of New England are on the list?
According to Condé Nast, they include:
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Kennebunkport, Maine
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
- Madison, Connecticut
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