The theme for this term’s Independent Research Project is Life on the Nature Trail, and my students are required to do some actual field work on the species or taxonomic group they’ve chosen to investigate. One students chose vultures because they saw one in the clearing just outside the trail and we’ve occasionally caught sight of one soaring over the campus.
He’s been trying to lure one in for a closer look.
Since I’ve vetoed the idea of leaving fresh meat out, unless he finds professional to guide him, he’s asked for permission to lie out on the grass pretending to be carrion.
I let him take the camera (see above).
Today we saw one swoop past during P.E., so we took a couple minutes trying to lure vultures (see below).
Unfortunately, it did not seem to work.
Priceless! This is one story you will tell on into retirement.
Seriously though, do you have a “birds of prey” center near you (http://www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org/index.php).
The various buzzards are either visual or scent oriented. These kinds of folks could really help your student deal with the desire to draw carrion birds. If your student isn’t used to IDing these types of birds, he may not be able to tell which type frequents your area.
Thanks for the comment. I’m not familiar with any similar centers in Memphis, but now that you mention it, he could probably start at the zoo and also try to find out who organizes Reelfoot State Park’s raptor cage.