Melissa is in heaven! A turkey vulture for our program
July 27, 2011
The bird I have wanted the most for this program is one that few people appreciate—the Turkey Vulture. I never even gave vultures a second glance myself…until I met one. Vultures have big personality and, until you see one up close, you don’t appreciate how beautiful they truly are. I fell in love with vultures when I worked with two Turkey Vultures and two King Vultures at Reptile Gardens in Rapid City, South Dakota, right after I graduated from college.
More than once I have mentioned that they are my favorite birds only to hear, “Ewwwwww! They’re so ugly and gross.” Really? Have you ever stood next to one? Do you realize how important they are for the environment? I’m happy to report that I know that I’ve been able to change more than a few minds about them just by letting people see a Turkey Vulture up close. Once you look into the inquisitive, soft eyes of a vulture, you’ll understand too.
You can imagine how ecstatic I was when on June 28 a rehabber friend of mine asked if I would be interested in a baby Turkey Vulture that had been orphaned and would not be able to be released. I believe my exact words were, “I can’t believe you even asked! Of course I want it!”
I floated on clouds for the next couple days. It was all coming together!
Written By
Melissa Hill
While earning her Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Management at the University of Wyoming, Melissa began volunteering at Laramie Raptor Refuge and was instantly hooked on birds of prey. Since those early days, she has worked with nearly 70 different raptors at four different raptor education groups in three states. She is a former member of the Education Committee for the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE) and a National Association for Interpretation's Certified Interpretive Guide. When she's not "playing with the birds" she enjoys spending time quilting, crocheting, and exploring the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with her non-bird family.
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