This observation is a continuation of an earlier post documenting observations made at an active Black Vulture nest. The previous article can be found here: Black Vulture – Nest Update 3: Baby!
This week the vultures really put on quite a show for us! We got to see an absolutely disgusting feeding of the now nearly two week old chick. Long strands of mucus covered, regurgitated red meat. Seriously gross.
We also got to see the changing of the guard. That event was quite comical, as the bird being relieved bolted unceremoniously, before the second bird even had a chance to approach the nest! Evidently, the first bird really needed a break!
On the way out, the relieved bird first stopped on the roof of the building and sunned her wings for a few minutes. We were able to observe this behavior in the reflection of the building’s windows.
Afterwards, the vulture took to the air, and after gaining considerable altitude, she joined up with two other Black Vultures. The trio then flew away together heading east.
Back in the nest, the relieving bird briefly tried to feed the chick, but the chick appeared to be full, so nothing ever came of that attempt.
This observation is continued here: Black Vulture – Nest Update 5
