From a distance, I saw these vultures making short work of a stingray that had washed up on the beach late yesterday afternoon.
 |
| From April 28, 2012 |
The fish had washed up as a cross-section of itself, its innards slipping out on one side, its flesh and bone exposed on the other. The dead fish was a sad sight to me at first. Then, it was a fact of life that made dinner possible for many a bird. There was a strange dignity about the scene on the beach this morning.
 |
| From April 28, 2012 |
When I got a little too close, off went the birds--beautifully.
 |
| From April 28, 2012 |
Lots more folks came out about this time, and the vultures who had been circling vamoosed for a while. Later in the day, I was back for another walk, and there were the remains, a strange and humble offering to the birds who would wait for the people to go away so they could dine in peace. Meanwhile, though, just about everybody who was on the beach checked out the fish and maybe paid their respects.
 |
| From April 28, 2012 |
23 Comments
A part of God's design for his creatures. We have a place at Holden Beach, NC and I love watching the birds - from the Osprey's on the ICW to the shore birds on the ocean. It's awesome to see the intricate design of nature, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThe best clean up crew.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I've never seen vultures on the beach before. I guess because ours are always so crowded. Nice catch!
ReplyDeleteTerrific captures for the day, Sandy, and ones like these are definitely not easy to catch! Our beaches are generally too crowded, too! Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
What great captures of the vultures - who seem so graceful in the air.
ReplyDeleteThey did their job. And a good one at that.
ReplyDeleteNature's way of equalization. It takes that very observant person to record these. Thanks for sharing, Sandy!
ReplyDeleteHank
Were they really vultures??
ReplyDeleteI have never seen one around here. I thought they were in the desert.
That sounds creepy they would be so close to humans.
then there is man who eats meat daily-most of us...lol!
ReplyDeletein Mumbai the vultures are getting almost extinct ...
ReplyDeleteNature's sanitation workers!
ReplyDeleteVery peaceful to observe nature.
ReplyDeleteVery little is wasted in nature. What a perfect system.
ReplyDeleteAlong with the wonderfully captured moment, I love the tone of respect in this post.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be commenting twice. I added a link to my blog (#5) but for some reason, it showed a draft version only. I received a message to please check it, but the only thing I could do was add a new link. (#1) That one seems to work. Is there any way to remove the #5 one? Again, i couldn't find a way to contact admin people. My apologies.
ReplyDeleteHuman vultures I'm not fond of, but flying ones are so important to cleaning up our environment.
ReplyDeleteVultures have to eat, fish can't live forever.
ReplyDeleteVultures and stingray - amazing! You captured those wings nicely.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Discovered I forgot my country next to my name right after linking up. (will not forget next time) My apologies.
Hazel, Thailand
It's nature's way. Wonderful captures Sandy.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes have birds in the yard attacked by raptors or the resident roadrunner, and it always makes me sad, but is thrilling in another way, to be so close to the things of nature.
ReplyDeleteNice. I see vultures on my walks many times. They love rabbits and skunks. There's something reverent about this flow of nature. Love how you captured it.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteMadeleine Begun Kane
Great series -- and yes, all a part of nature.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being here.