June 18th, 2010 
On June 17th, 2010, the bird species checklist of Aruba was extended. At 6:50 a.m. a large bird was spotted gliding over the area between Pos Chiquito and Savaneta. Although the bird was at an altitude of approximately 200 meters, the chairman of Aruba Birdlife Conservation managed to take pictures of the bird with just enough quality to be able to identify it. After checking with the foundation’s senior advisor, Dr. Adrian Delnevo, it was determined that this was a first time observation for Aruba’s birdlife: the Turkey Vulture or Cathares aura. Dr. Delnevo informed Greg Peterson that this bird has never been registered in Aruba before, after checking all bird checklists for Aruba known to him (including his own). Thus the bird’s identity and uniqueness for Aruba’s bird history was confirmed.
The Turkey Vulture is a bird found throughout most of the Americas. It has a wingspan of 170–183 cm (67–72 in), a length of 64–81 cm (25–32 in), and weight of 0.85–2.26 kg (1.9–5 lb). The plumage is dark brown to black and it has a featherless, purplish-red head and neck; and a short, hooked, ivory-colored beak. The Turkey Vulture is a scavenger and finds its meals using its keen vision and sense of smell. In flight, it uses thermals to move through the air, flapping its wings infrequently. In the United States of America, the vulture receives legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
Greg Peterson, chairman of Aruba Birdlife Conservation, is very happy with this special moment for Aruba’s birdlife history: “This is a beautiful experience”. It also helps prove that we have to be very careful with how we treat the very limited nature resources on the island. The number of birds registered in Aruba is above 220 species and climbing. “Let us make sure we work even harder on our conservation efforts.” says Greg Peterson, “We have to learn to love and respect wildlife in Aruba’.
