Illustration Friday: Fuel

Vulture

Collage assemblage

© Kerry Schofield

Some economists and political cartoonists equate the vulture with fuel, portraying our appetite for energy and consumption. I think the vulture has gotten a bad wrap, however, even though it eats dead meat. 

A few years ago, I used to live next to a nature preserve that bordered a county facility. Hundreds of turkey vultures made this site their home. They perched on the rooftops of the few buildings that were available, on trees and near big power lines. Hundreds sat quietly, pruning and standing around, waiting and resting. It was a sight to see really, all those big birds with red heads. They wobbled across the roof tops with their big claw legs and occasionally, they'd take off in flight.

Well, it is the time of year when we're allowed to celebrate the darker aspects of nature, whether it be vultures, ghouls or witches chanting spells ... BOO!