Maybe on another post I’ll discuss the South African phrases “now now” and “just now”. For example, “I’ll write today’s blog post just now”.
The Marx siblings see birds. Driving down the road, “there’s a hawk”. Inside an office, “vulture!” out the window. Walking along, “look, an eagle”. It’s not that we have our heads in the clouds all the time, it’s more like a sixth sense. Maybe due to our upbringing of outdoor activities and an appreciation of nature. And likely since we grew up in rural Michigan where not a lot happened, so seeing a raptor was something exciting. Turkey vultures were a favorite. Often referred to, incorrectly, as “buzzards” – sitting on the fence posts along a field, in a dead tree, or circling overhead. Don’t get too close, or they will projectile vomit at you! Actually not really true.
A few years ago, when Sister #1 moved to the Netherlands, she launched her natural science illustration, photography, and art business. One of her projects was illustrating vultures of the old and new world. As we were discussing how many vulture species are endangered, I wondered who and which organizations in southern Africa are working to conserve vultures. I inquired with our new friends in the area, and, well, Hoedspruit delivered again!
We would have spent today with one of Africa’s leading vulture experts – Dr. Lindy Thompson, Project Coordinator of Vulture Conservation and Research at the Endangered Wildlife Trust. After contacting Lindy about Sister #1’s vulture artwork, Lindy graciously invited us to accompany her on some field work (followed of course by sundowners!). We will sorely miss this opportunity to join Lindy with nest checks, feeding observations, and maybe some trapping – but hope to still connect with her some day.
Most vulture populations have severely declined in recent years. Although not as sexy as lion, elephant, or rhino, vultures are a key component of the ecosystem and provide “disposal” of carcasses, an essential task to reduce the spread of disease. Unfortunately, vultures are subject to human misconception, poisoning by poachers, secondary pesticide poisoning, collisions with power lines, and are killed for use in traditional “medicine”.
Bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus). Water color by Jody Marx.
Dr. Lindy Thompson and crew from Eskom (South Africa power company) tagging white-backed vultures (Gyps africanus). Photograph courtesy of Lindy Thompson.
White-backed vulture (Gyps africanus), left, and Lappet-faced vulture (Torgos tracheliotus) at wildebeest carcass. Tanzania, 2008.
Educational blog. Beautiful water colour of the bearded vulture Jody. I actually think they are an interesting bird with a lot of character.