Special News: Baby Black Vultures
Introducing Winkle and Apple
I want to assemble all the best words to share the story of these black vultures.
I want you to know they are curious and oh-so-smart…and yes, even cute.
I want everyone who thinks ‘eww’ at their mention to learn that they mate for life and live in family communities.
I hope that all who dismiss them as gross because they “eat dead things” might know that they care for their young with as much devotion as the “beautiful” birds.
While I jigsaw puzzle all the words in just the right order to deliver the whoosh of feeling I hope to convey (which will take a minute), I need to share with you that the two eggs my VeeVees laid on March 7th and 10th hatched this week. Right on schedule at 38 days, April 17th. (check this out for more backstory)
Two new black vulture hatchlings are here after weeks of non-stop brooding by both parents, each taking a 24-hour shift every day since March 10th.
And I’d like you to meet them…
About 12 hours or so after the first egg hatched, I returned home from the chiropractor to Papa Vee sitting proudly with both hatchlings. Elation!
I just happened to be peeking through the gaps in the barn walls when the other adult arrived for shift change on Wednesday morning. At this time, one chick had hatched while the parent kept the second egg near. In the above video, the just-arrived parent was visibly excited to see the hatchling, trying to scoot in the corner to tap beaks. Relieved of the overnight shift, the other parent takes off to stretch its wings and find some food. Later in the afternoon both chicks could be seen.
In 2020, I named the first hatchling Flower (yes… “you can call me Flower”). I stuck with the theme of flower names ever since. This year, two of my favorite early spring ephemerals struck just the right note for names.
Hatchling #1 is Winkle, for the first blooms of periwinkle that cover the hill near the barn in early March.
Hatchling #2 is Apple, for cheerful mayapple plants that bloom later than the periwinkles and show off in bright green clusters with hidden white flowers underneath their leaves.
And since it will become nearly impossible to distinguish which bird is which as they grow, Winkle and Apple just sound fun together.
As I wrap up sharing this news with a peek inside the nursery barn, I want to share a few bits of context, especially for newer readers. Since these birds have returned every Spring since 2020, there is an underlying trust that has developed. And, there is distance. I have talked with wildlife researchers, rehab specialists, and wildlife care experts to ensure that I do no harm.
I do not feed, touch, or handle the birds in any way that could risk imprinting on the young. I don’t infringe on their space. I never enter the barn between February and September while they are here. Yes, I talk to them and the parents know my voice. Perhaps you’ve heard stories of black vultures projectile vomiting when they feel threatened — that has never happened because I keep a respectful distance.
These very smart birds know they are safe here, and they know I am safe. I’m quite content to be ‘The Lady’ in this story that watches with wonder and fills the wheelbarrow with water on hot days. The Lady who keeps the flower gardens thriving so the fledglings have somewhere to play when they leave the barn. The Lady with the cats who all come running to the deck doors when the vulture family taps their noses against the glass.
They are beautifully wild with an affinity for the magic of these woods. How grateful I feel to share this land with them.
Thank you so much for reading A Curious Nature. If you enjoyed what you’ve found here, I hope you may tap that heart below, leave a comment, share with a friend, or subscribe.
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Thank you so much!
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing some insight on these misunderstood birds 🤍
What a previledge to be able to experience baby vulture so close to you! I have to admit that I have never been interested in learning about vultures but your story now is such a joy to follow along. Thank you for sharing!