TURKEY VULTURE
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One of our permanent residents here is often thought of as a Bird of Prey. By all appearances, he sure looks like one. In the wild, this bird is frequently mistaken for an eagle as it soars the wide open skies on its huge wingspan. I am referring to the Turkey Vulture, nicknamed a Buzzard by many. Turkey Vultures are not hawks or raptors at all, but are related to the Storks. They do not have talons for capturing and killing prey - instead, their feet are rather weak. These large birds are nature's sanitary engineers, designed to clean up decaying carcasses of dead animals which they locate with their keen vision, while soaring effortlessly over fields and highways. Turkey Vultures, unlike most other birds, also use their sense of smell to find food. (Birds, in general, are unable to smell.) This is another creature who fills its niche in the natural world perfectly. Their unique adaptations allow them to consume bacteria and botulism that would kill other animals and humans at even a fraction of the amount ingested by the vultures. Their bare heads allow them to reach inside decaying carrion, without soiling feathers. Not cute or cuddly, this bird is another necessary, efficient part of a whole - a link in the food chain.
Our Turkey Vulture met the fate of many. He was struck by a car, as he found highways offered an easy opportunity for a meal. His injury was too severe to allow him flight - ever again. He is also the recipient of those unfortunate patients here at the center who do not survive their injuries. Would you believe he shares his pen here at the center with a pheasant and a tortoise?! Remember - he is only interested in dead things. I'll have to make sure the tortoise keeps moving.
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