Because of a bad thunder-storm I was not able to visit the Eurasian Griffon Vulture chick in the Zoo of Duisburg earlier... but it grew very fast the last four days!
At the beginning it was hiding behind vulture-daddy.
When the sun got lower it was shining very hot - that's why vulture-daddy hurried up to protect his chick by standing between sun and chick. Wonderful, how caring vultures are!
Vulture-daddy in the spot-light. Great illumination!
When the chick fell asleep I went to the second vultures enclosure. The seperated Eurasian Griffon Vultures had a big and tasty carcass inside their enclosure. And no other animals how could steal it! Enjoy your meal!
Bloated with food they had a little rest, but dinner in reaching area of their beaks ;-)
Back at the nest the vulture-parents changed their position. And although the chick's crop was full it was begging for food as if he did not eat for many days!!!
Few minutes later the chick was still desperately begging for food, almost screaming. Vulture-mommy started regurgitating her own dinner by shaking her long neck.
Cause vulture-mommy needed too much time the hungry chick was pecking his mom two or three times! Unbelievable, I never saw it cheeky like that!
When vulture-mommy regurgitated enough food the chick devoured flesh and fluid very fast.
At the same time vulture-daddy was relaxing in the sun one metre next to the nest and tryed to ignore his cheeky, hungry chick.
After a big portion of meat the chick had to realize that no more meat fits into his full to bursting crop! Sated and happy the chick lay down in the nest and kept it's beak shut.
Vulture-mommy became completely exhausted and lay down in the sun next to vulture-daddy outside the nest... while the chick was proudly posing inside the nest.
Every few minutes it rotated through 90 degrees in the wonderuful sun and showed me his beautiful body! Sweetheart!
Later the long-awaited moment: Standing up...
... and spreading it's wings! Awesome!
Giant chick!
Vulture-family inside and next to the nest. Nearly no size difference anymore!
Still a rare sight when the chick tries to stand on his small feet. Very clumsy and shaky, but soooo cute!
No comments:
Post a Comment