The Oregon Coast Aquarium is building an aviary for some unusual new inhabitants and is asking for public input on naming its new them. The new Turkey Vulture exhibit will open at the Aquarium October 31, 2009 and a turkey vulture naming contest is being held to select names for the birds.

The Aquarium’s aviculturists will choose two names from public entries, for the two rescued and rehabilitated birds, arriving from Wisconsin this month. Entry forms are in the Aquarium lobby, where entries will be accepted through October 30.

CJ McCarty, Aquarium Curator of Birds, is excited about the new exhibit. “Turkey vultures are intelligent and gregarious birds, which will make them both challenging and rewarding to work with,” said McCarty. “We’ll do our best to minimize stressors as they are getting acclimated to their new home at the Aquarium.” McCarty said the goals of the exhibit are to make people aware of these amazing birds, their unique biology, and the important role they play in our coastal ecosystem. Visitors will learn how to identify a turkey vulture and observe its behaviors and physical characteristics. The new exhibit was made possible by a generous grant from Trust Management Services.

Often mistaken for an eagle or hawk, the flight of the turkey vulture, Cathartes aura, is unmistakable to the trained eye...

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