This gloriously large and rather distinctive bird arrived on our farm the other day. His arrival means some other creature we share this farm with, has passed. Their presence always brings an "oh what has happened" sigh, not knowing exactly what has transpired.
I'm pretty sure medieval costumes could have been designed after his distinctive head gear, just look at that face! His arrival somehow makes the day seem like it has slipped back in time. In our area their home is a large colony that roosts in caves in the foothills. With a wing span as large as theirs, about six feet, they travel great distances in a short periods of time. With very little effort they soar high above, riding the air thermals.
The color of their feathers is delicately etched in tones of brown with touches of gold, and a little silver dust on the underside. Just standing he does not seem to as big as he does in the sky. He is not aggressive and not afraid as I approach. He sort of comes across as a nice guy.
Male and females are identical. At take off, you can get a feel for the size of those wings, their take off requires a lot of effort compared to their flying.
To a complicated bird that comes across as sort of a nice guy...
~ Deb
* Last time in Barn Stories: Prairie Dog Babies
