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!
