Episode 11 - The Sweet Side of Beach Vultures in Costa Rica

Today’s story is about vultures. Those often misunderstood sky cleaners that circle the mountains and ocean like silent guardians. And a pair that showed me their surprisingly sweet side on the edge of the shore.Vultures get a bad rap, right? We picture them circling doom or cleaning up messes, but up close they’re fascinating. Massive wingspans for effortless soaring, keen eyesight that spots a meal from miles away and a vital role in the ecosystem. Preventing disease by recycling what’s left behind.In Costa Rica we mostly have turkey vultures and black vultures, with their bald heads perfectly adapted to stay clean while feeding, and social habits that see them roosting in groups or pairs.I was driving down to the beach, camera bag in the passenger seat as always, when I spotted a flock circling low over the palm trees lining the shore. I pulled over, hiked to the water’s edge and there on a weathered branch among the palms were these two vultures perched side by side. Not the ominous types circling high overhead. These were relaxed, almost affectionate. I watched as they rubbed their faces together. Beaks gently nuzzling, heads tilting like they were sharing a quiet conversation or just enjoying each other’s company.It was cute, honestly. Like watching two old friends catch up after a long flight. I couldn’t help but laugh to myself. Here I am, the cat lover who jokes about befriending ocelots, getting all sentimental over vultures playing footsie with their faces…As a photographer this was a fun challenge. Vultures aren’t the flashiest subjects — no rainbow feathers or dramatic dives — but capturing that tender moment meant getting creative from afar, framing them against the palm fronds and glittering sea, the light bouncing off their dark plumage in subtle highlights. Sometimes I shoot them solo, perched like sentinels, or circling high; other times in pairs like this, reminding me that even “scavengers” have their soft sides. Episode Wild Photograph: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPC-T9EkaQz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Follow the wild on Instagram @sarahlutkewild Prints & more: sarahlutkewild.com #WildlifePhotography #CostaRicaWild #PuraVida