The Much Maligned Vulture

Walking along my city street, I see a cluster of turkey vultures flying just above the tree tops. Dog walkers and runners pass by, never looking up to see one of our wonders of nature. They fly with wings in a dihedral position, rocking back and forth, likely using their acute vision and sense of smell to find carrion. 

There are 23 species of vultures worldwide, but in Massachusetts, only the turkey vulture and the black vulture can be found—recently proliferating after decades of absence. The black vulture is somewhat smaller, with a pale head and beak, and the turkey vulture is bigger, with a large, red, unfeathered head and sizable red beak. 

I have often seen them high in the sky as well, soaring on thermals like eagles and reaching unimaginable heights as they disappear from view. One day, I counted seven that had landed on a telephone pole. And once, two arrived at a small rise in the cemetery: one landing on a low tree branch, the other on the ground right in front of me! They weren’t seeking a food source, just hanging out, unbothered by my presence. I was stunned to have this private moment with them.          

Vultures are large birds, weighing about 5 pounds, with a 6-foot wingspan. Often seen as unsavory, they are nature’s cleaning crew: consuming dead animals, preventing the spread of disease and eliminating noxious smells. Their strong stomach acid neutralizes pathogens and softens bones for digestion. The bare head minimizes contamination during feeding. Black vultures do not have the same sense of smell; they often follow turkey vultures to a food source, gathering on the carcass en masse. 

I have the opportunity to visit an outdoor educational display of rescued birds—mostly raptors—such as barn owls, great horned owls, kestrels, hawks, falcons, and more. There is one lone turkey vulture, and I’m allowed to don a thick leather glove and hold the bird! It flutters its large wings, has difficulty settling down, and finally stands still, seemingly curious about me. This bird is not often chosen, but I find it enchanting. Other birds may have more appeal, but for me, this is a special opportunity. I reluctantly hand it back to the owner. 

In Native American lore, the vulture projects a sense of doom but is also seen as a messenger to the beyond, providing guidance to souls in transition. They are symbols of protection, rebirth and cleansing. It was revered in ancient Egypt and in Hindu mythology as a divine nurturer, guardian and symbol of power. 

Sometimes, as we familiarize ourselves with species which seem unromantic or unappealing, we can begin to open new doors to the wonders of creation.