VULTURES! 

Who, What, Where, When, Why? 

Why do vultures have bare heads? What do the terms kettle, committee, wake mean when referring to groups of vultures? Do vultures feed exclusively on carrion? When can you see vultures? Who uses vultures to locate natural gas pipeline leaks? What 1918 United State law protects vultures? 

Corrosive stomach acid. A keen sense of smell. Scavenging the dead. Contributing to infectious disease prevention. The vulture, struggling to lift off, vomiting foul smelling semi-digested meat as a defense against predators, grunting and hissing, plays a critical role in our ecosystems helping to dispose of the dead.  

Join Kyra Thurow Bartow, President of the Enviromental Educators of North Carolina, to learn more about these backyard buzzards! 

Kyra Thurow Bartow (she/her) is an accomplished environmental educator, avian conservationist, and curriculum developer dedicated to inspiring others to explore and conserve the natural world through birds. She began her career at the Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Minnesota, where she trained raptors and led adventure courses. Her passion for community engagement flourished as an Outreach Educator at the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium in North Carolina. Highlights of her career include serving as Education Coordinator at the Greenville Zoo in South Carolina, where she developed inclusive programming, and as Camp Director at Marbles Kids Museum, providing essential youth programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the Prairie Ridge Ecostation in Raleigh, she created positive nature experiences for the community. Kyra has also held leadership roles as President-Elect and President of the Environmental Educators of North Carolina, fostering connections among science professionals statewide. She has a particular love for vultures and other raptors. With her expertise and master’s degree, Kyra aims to promote a more inclusive and harmonious birding community for both people and birds.   

Wednesday February 12th starting at 6 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium located at 300 North Roxboro Street.  

Registration is appreciated. 

Questions? Email mkoslofsky@dconc.gov