Let Us Prey

Posted February 11, 2009 by Bob Holt

Photo by Elliott Minor/apimages.com.

The residents of Wenonah love their turkey vultures.

For several years, about 200 of the beaked creatures have formed a winter roost in the South Jersey town, prompting Wenonah to salute its feathered friends with an annual East Coast Vulture Festival.

The March 7 event is sponsored by the Wenonah Environmental Commission and the Gloucester County Nature Club. It will feature exhibits, educational presentations, nature programs, live vultures, and music from singer/songwriter Jim Six, who will perform his signature song, “Look Alive!”—reminding patrons not to let vultures confuse them with their customary fare. (Vultures eat dead animals. Their talons are not strong enough to kill prey.)

The commission looks to the vultures to help them fulfill their mission of protecting the natural resources in the Wenonah community. The festival helps educate the public about the bird’s role in maintaining a healthy environment.

“We are hoping to repeat the successes of last year,” says festival chairman Richard Dilks. “The vulture dance troupe will be doing backup for a vulture rap song by festival organizer Sharon Oakes. We will again host the free Vulture Day Children’s Fair at the Community Center in the afternoon and hold the ticketed evening roost at night.” Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for children under 12.

For information, visit eastcoastvulturefestival.org

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