Vulture . the word alone conjures up thoughts of an ugly, horrible creature - even a symbol of death.
Robyn Radcliffe, biologist and raptor handler with Pacific Northwest Raptors (PNR), said that's nonsense and they actually play a pivotal role in our eco-system.
"They are scavengers, the clean up crew for our eco-system," said 26-year-old Radcliffe.
Vultures feed mostly on the carcasses of animals. Vultures do not kill animals but by consuming the dead animals, they keep the environment clean.
"They eat only raw meat and in the wild, depending on the species, they eat dead birds, rodents, mammals, varmints and even Canadian geese," said Radcliffe. "Vultures also prevent the spread of dangerous diseases like rabies and anthrax, which can hurt wildlife and us."
Radcliffe is coming to Richmond for the 4th Annual Richmond Raptor Festival, this Sunday, Aug. 21 to demonstrate just how intelligent and great birds of prey really are.
"These birds are a fascinating bunch," she added. "Each species has its own amazing set of skills and each individual has its own incredible story and quirky personality."
Radcliffe is bringing along at least five of her feathered friends - one of them a baby who has only been flying for a week.
Radcliffe balks at saying the falcons perorm aerial acrobatics.
"We are actually showing what they do naturally in the wild . we do coax them with food but we don't train them, we are just demonstrating what they do instinctively," Radcliffe said. However, she said, the birds actually prefer to conserve their energy, thus, they tend not to fly too much.
"People always want to know why our birds don't fly away," she said. "On occasion, they go on adventures to return later - it comes down to them realizing life is easier with us," she added.
During the Richmond festival Radcliffe and a team of handlers will talk about the raptor's behaviour, hunting skills, environmental concerns and conservation - there are more than 30 species of raptors native to B.C.
The birds themselves will entertain the crowd with their aerial feats.
"We adore these birds and there aren't enough adjectives to say how awesome they are," said Radcliffe. "Our shows are to promote and protect these birds in their natural habitat."
PNR has more than 100 birds of prey and a staff of more than 20 trained biologists.
"Most of our birds are captive bred," added Radcliffe. "However, some of them that live and work with us are injured or orphaned birds that cannot return to the wild.
"Others simply don't want to return to the wild."
In captivity, the birds of prey live longer, typically up to 20 or 30 years.
"It's a tough life for them in the wild so they don't live very long," she added.
Her passion for these birds is in her blood - both her brother and her mother are also biologists, working in the family business.
"In 1999, we lived in England and my brother took a course in falconry," she said. "In 2002, they started up the company back in Canada."
Meanwhile, as a handler the worst she's ever suffered are some minor scratches and few cuts.
"Usually when a handler gets hurt it's their own fault," said Radcliffe.
Last year, more than 1,500 people came to witness her amazing birds of prey.
The 4th Annual Richmond Raptor Festival happens this Sunday, Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Terra Nova Rural Park.
For more information, visit www.richmond.ca/parksrec/ptc/parks/construction/ tnrphase1.htm.
