Walking on sunshine with buzz and cathartes
This past summer of 2013, I was fortunate enough to intern for the Bird and Quarantine Department at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. While there, I worked with many different species of birds: barred owls, fulvous whistling ducks, red-tailed hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and of course, turkey vultures. There are four turkey vultures that call the Virginia Aquarium home; mom and dad were rescues and brother and sister were more of a surprise. Buzz (sister) and Cathartes (brother) are the pride and joy of the bird staff. They are fully flighted siblings with quite the curiosity and taste for life....well, the experience of life I should say. I found them to be very intimidating when I started my internship. The bird staff had me cleaning enclosures the first week and let me tell you: locking yourself in a confined space with two fully flighted turkey vultures is just a little nerve-wracking, especially when the staff warns you of the possibility of them jumping on your head. I thought they were ugly, vicious, smelly birds and I really did not find them appealing. One day, though, I walked past their enclosure, and their wings were completely outstretched. I was completely caught by how regal and spectacular they looked. I asked one of the passing bird staff if they were showing off for the guests; she told me that they were sunning and probably showing off just a little. After that incident, I paid much more attention to Buzz and Cathartes and gained an appreciation for them; all of their quirks and behaviors were very fascinating to me, and now the turkey vulture is my favorite bird!
Featured in this clip is Cathartes, the male turkey vulture.