She's a beauty right? Patient, strategic, a symbol of strength, perseverance, positivity, and undoubtedly natures purifiers. Or, do you see her as a pest, scavenger, a symbol of greed, filth, and death. In some parts of the world, the vulture is a highly prized and honored bird while alternatively seen as bad omens in other cultures.
"You don't know what you got 'til it's gone." Cinderella
Like so many species on this planet and like life in general we tend to wait to act on something until we realize we may never see it again. There are over 20 species of vultures of which more than half are endangered and many facing extinction. For example, have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? Maybe, but not likely, did you have the rare honor of witnessing a California Condor? It looks like a massive turkey vulture who, was extinct back in the late 80's existing only in captivity until an intensive recovery program by the USFWS was able to begin reintroduction into the wild in 1992. As one of the rarest birds in the world (around 500), they take on a whole different kind of beauty when you get to see one in the wild. Here in Panama like so many areas of the world, we see all day long the black vulture and turkey vulture soaring up high, hanging out with their buddies on a branch, or having their morning meeting on the fence posts on our way to a surf spot but do we really appreciate their importance in nature?
Maybe we do. Maybe we don't. But, we sure are appreciative as are they when we are cleaning our fresh catch of the day - they make clean-up really easy. Their speedy ability to clean the carcass of a dead animal is impressive but more importantly, eliminates an otherwise nasty breeding ground for disease.
"Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, we will help. Only if we help, we shall be saved." Jane Goodall
Your Friends in Morrillo,
Cari and Ryan Mackey
Owners and Hosts
Morrillo Beach Eco Resort
Introducing Yin and Yang born December 29 & 30th of the proud parents Valeria and Victor. The parents have chosen to raise their chicks under the watchful eyes of two dedicated biologists - Loes and Kees Groenendijk, owners of Heliconia Inn. A beautiful B&B located near us.
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