My childhood residence in Trinidad, sits in a tranquil rural space on the very fringe of the boundary limits of the Borough. As a baby, the plush landscapes have been merely a part of the background, with Black Vultures sometimes noticed gliding within the distance. I barely gave these birds a second thought, their presence misplaced among the many on a regular basis wonders of rising up.
As an grownup, after I first set out on my birdwatching journey just a few quick years in the past, the Black Vulture was not precisely on the prime of my listing, or anyplace on it for that matter. In actual fact, its fame as a scavenger and its considerably grim look had not impressed a lot or any affection in me, members of my household cringed after they noticed them, even the household canine would bark on the Black Vultures.
My perspective nonetheless, shifted dramatically after a sequence of encounters that exposed the stunning allure and charm of this often-overlooked and unliked hen.
A number of Black Vultures made their residence in a cluster of bushes not removed from our property, turning our often quiet environment right into a every day residing theater of aerial performances.
Throughout the day they’d fly off and do no matter Black Vultures do, however would return occasionally throughout the day as if taking breaks from their every day actions. Throughout this “break time” they’d placed on their aerial efficiency.
They’d glide round at low-altitudes in formation with such precision that their actions appear nearly choreographed. Their flights, characterised by sharp turns and sweeping arcs, revealing a degree of talent and charm that’s actually fascinating.
As somebody with many hours of coaching in maneuvering small airplanes in various levels of steep turns whereas climbing and descending, lazy eights and many others., I may admire the artwork that unfolded earlier than me, the talents and the precision, one thing I may solely dream of achieving.
As I noticed the Black Vultures, I discovered myself questioning whether or not these spectacular shows are merely playful antics or in the event that they serve a extra purposeful goal. Might these aerial maneuvers be a part of their coaching, honing their skills for looking or navigating by numerous environments or are they only kids having enjoyable?
With their seamless transitions and exact management it was clear that their flights are removed from random. Jealousy crammed my coronary heart, I have to admit.
I started to understand the Black Vultures after seeing their shows and in reality I now discover them attention-grabbing and effectively price observing, I now have a tendency to hunt them out at any time when I journey to a brand new location for birdwatching. Their presence within the sky, their playful nature, social behaviour all married to their important ecological function contribute immensely to their distinctive allure.
So far as the Black Vultures are involved, I’ve gone from ignorance to awe.
Autor Fitzroy Rampersad
