Click on photo to enlarge for better view
Today, driving down the road we passed (several times) the carcass of a cat that was the center of attention of several species of birds. The first time we drove by turkey vultures and one crow were there. The crow was standing in the background, waiting for the Vultures to grow tired of the carcass so he could eat. The wary vultures saw us and immediately flew off into nearby trees to keep a watchful eye on us, however the crow immediately took advantage of the Vulture's wariness and moved in on the carcass, eating while we watched, not oblivious to us, but not considering us a real threat.
Later we passed by again and found a Vulture and the Falcon vying over the carcass. The Vulture was deferring to the Falcon who was trying to drag the cat carcass away without much success. The Falcon was clearly higher in the pecking order than Vulture who was looking for Falcon to eat and leave.
While Turkey Vulture is a scavenger who is not capable of carrying off carcasses, Falcon is a predator who also scavenges when the opportunity arises. In winter it is more typical to find Falcon scavenging as its prey are fewer in wintertime.
This house cat was run over on the nearby road and a variety of scavenging birds eat it by day, and nocturnal scavengers eat it by night. The face of the cat is clearly visible in the above photo.
In this photo Falcon flies off as we get closer and this time it is Vulture who is so fixated on the meal he saw Falcon eating that he does not pay much attention to us. For us it is fascinating to see the various hierarchies among these scavengers and how they ensure that any carcass is quickly cleaned and transformed to allow them the energy to continue their lives. The Vultures in particular fulfill an important service in terms of the cleaning of carcasses, and once they eat they utilize the rays of the Sun to disinfect their legs and feathers, which is why you often see them, wings outstretched. These are all powerful birds with ancient symbolism.
Good article. I am going to watch more closely from now on.
ReplyDeleteI got up close and personal to a vulture once eating carrion on the road in rural Colorado because I was on foot not in a noisy car. Realized for the first time how huge they are. And spooky when they lift off.
ReplyDeleteThe bird you identify as a falcon is a Red-shouldered Hawk. During the summer they often eat frogs and small mammals, but in the winter they are more opportunistic -- as you've shown with these great photos!
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely correct.! Thank you for brining our attention to that important point. Depending on the angle, this particular hawk could be mistaken for a falcon. Thank you alot for the correction, it is much appreciated.
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