The International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) is something that I felt like I ought to at least mention, if for no other reason than to perhaps encourage at least one reader to look a little more deeply at the fact that several species of vultures worldwide are threatened with extinction. Here in the United States, our ‘new world’ vultures - the Turkey Vulture and the Black Vulture do seem to be doing quite well, although the California Condor is only hanging on through some excellent conservation efforts. The old world vultures are what IVAD is really all about. They are faced with threats including “poisoning, persecution, electrocution on and collision with power lines, drowning in farm reservoirs, a shortage of safe food sources and loss of suitable habitat.” There are several species throughout the world facing the same pressure and threats. So, get out there, do some research and reading, become more aware of the world around you — and especially the vultures of the world on this day. — picusblog.com