Interspecies preening
Black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and Lyn (Homo sapiens)
I'm the lucky preen-ee. (It tickles!) She 'nibbles' up my arm and into my hair. I believe I am the only one she does this to. Other people she just pecks or bites. I wear that big glove not because her feet are particularly dangerous but because she can't balance on my thin arm. (and her feet are disgustingly dirty ... just think of what they stand on and eat.) I do not recommend getting this close to a vulture -- they are wild animals and are not particularly friendly. I am fortunate (and so very thankful) to have developed a relationship with an exceptional and unusual bird.
See my wildlife clinic set for more info about my volunteer work (aka obsession/unpaid job).
Thanks for the great photo, Tom!
©2008 T. Adelman
Interspecies preening
Black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and Lyn (Homo sapiens)
I'm the lucky preen-ee. (It tickles!) She 'nibbles' up my arm and into my hair. I believe I am the only one she does this to. Other people she just pecks or bites. I wear that big glove not because her feet are particularly dangerous but because she can't balance on my thin arm. (and her feet are disgustingly dirty ... just think of what they stand on and eat.) I do not recommend getting this close to a vulture -- they are wild animals and are not particularly friendly. I am fortunate (and so very thankful) to have developed a relationship with an exceptional and unusual bird.
See my wildlife clinic set for more info about my volunteer work (aka obsession/unpaid job).
Thanks for the great photo, Tom!
©2008 T. Adelman