In nuisance bird work, which we perform across America, I often quote to my clients, “The creative genius is seen as much in the vulture as in the eagle.” It usually raises eyebrows and often a grimace. Vultures evoke negative reactions, both from our cultural perceptions as well as the birds’ behaviors. Yet Bald Eagle, our nation’s symbol, scavenges nearly as much!
Unlike the California Condor, vultures have adapted to man-activity and man-made structures. Add to this their being listed as protected birds. When considering the increased amount of road kill, is it any wonder vulture populations have exploded!
No matter your opinions of species origins, wildlife theory and animal population realities are resolute: create habitat and animals will respond positively. Each bird species holds specificity, a niche in the environment, which is both physiological and behavioral.
All birds, all animals, yes, people too, exercise value judgments in relationship to their environment. Vultures, given their large home range, will find a positive place for themselves, which are bringing many more negative vulture/people interfaces and issues.
In the end, the vultures and people behave in similar ways: willing to take a free meal and willing to move to the ‘burbs’ or retirement community!
One thing vultures can’t do: change public perception so their image is placed on top of a flag pole like an eagle!
