What’s your first thought when you think of a Turkey Vulture? Without putting any more negative thoughts out there about these important birds, Critter Chat challenges you to get on the Turkey Vulture bandwagon and consider joining the Turkey Vulture fan club.

How about embracing the facts that Turkey Vultures clean up animal carcasses while cleansing the environment of disease all while possessing a sweet disposition towards humans. Consider re-thinking the unfortunate name of Turkey Vulture to be more appropriately our own Golden Condor. 

In this episode of Critter Chat, hosts Marney Blair and Susan Brandt debunk myths and shine light on the truth about Turkey Vultures. Guests on the show are: naturalist Deren Ross who leads the Auburn Turkey Vulture Migration Watch; and Katie Fallon, executive director of the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia, a certified professional bird trainer and author of the book Vultures: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird, Brandeis University Press.

 For more information, see critterchat.org or Instagram: critterchat1

Critter Chat tells stories of Sierra Nevada wildlife featuring interviews with experts in the field. Critter Chat is locally produced and hosted by Susan Brandt and Marney Blair with support from KVMR, Rational Animal and Wild Birds Unlimited. 

Image credit: © Katie Fallon,  Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia