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 6.
It was a good show put on by the vultures today.
The juvenile was all alone when we arrived, but the first adult showed up within just a few minutes. This adult came right into the nesting area and immediately began feeding the chick.
While this was going on we were surprised to see the other adult land on the building across the courtyard. Soon this vulture came down to the nest and traded places with the first adult. A brief effort to feed the chick by the second adult ensued. It was largely unfruitful.
As it turned out, the first adult did not leave the scene. Instead this vulture only stepped out into the sunlight and spread its wing in order to sunbath. The second adult soon joined the first in this activity.
After a few minutes of sunning their wings, both adult vultures moved into the shade near the building, but in a different location from the nest. There they seemed to attempt to interact with their reflections in the glass, before finally settling down to groom each other thoroughly. This behavior can be seen in the video at the bottom of the post.
This observation is continued here: Black Vulture – Nest Update 8
Observation Details
| County | – | Denton |
|
| City | – | Denton | |
| Date | – | Apr 28, 2012 | |
| Time of Day | – | Afternoon | |
| Temperature | – | Warm (70-89°F/21-32°C) | |
| Weather | – | Clear | |
| Habitat | – | Community-Church/School/Civic | |
| Type of Behavior | – | Care of Young | |
| Gender | – | Uncertain | |
| Maturity | – | Mixed | |
| Observer | – | Chris Jackson |
Hello! These birds are extremely ugly! LOL!