The Missouri Department of Conservation invites people to learn more about vultures through three virtual programs Saturday.
These programs are the online version of the annual Vulture Venture programs put on by staff at MDC's Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center.
The vulture appreciation Saturday kicks off with the "Meet a Vulture" online program from 10-11 a.m. At this event, staff from Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield will partner with Shepherd of the Hills staff to present Alice, a live captive vulture that will provide people with an up-close view of these birds. WOW staff will answer questions about these birds through a live chat feature.
People can register for this program, open to all ages, at bit.ly/3smgTGT.
People can learn more about vultures at the MDC virtual program "Superhero Vultures!" from 1-1:30 p.m. At this program, designed for ages 5-10, MDC volunteers and staff will explain how vultures should be considered "superheroes" of the outdoors because of their fascinating physical characteristics and for the benefits they provide.
Presenters will share a short story about how vultures help people and will help the group "build" a vulture that will showcase the bird's superpowers.
People can register for this program at bit.ly/3bwGypd.
MDC's vulture appreciation day will conclude with "Scavengers in the Sky," a virtual program from 3-4 p.m. MDC Naturalist Bryon Putman will discuss the two types of vultures found in Missouri - turkey and black vultures - and will provide details about the fascinating physical traits that allow them to subsist on a steady diet of dead animal flesh. Putman will also provide some interesting vulture trivia.
People can register for this program, which is designed for ages 5 and older, at bit.ly/3dBsH3V.
Though these programs are free, registration is required to participate. Registrants must provide an email so a program link can be sent to them. All three of the above-mentioned programs will include chat-based question-and-answer periods in which participants can interact with the presenters.
Learn more about the vulture programs by calling MDC's Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery Conservation Center at 417-334-4865, extension 0.