Contrary to current opinion, buzzards, or vultures, used to be associated with harmony and balance with nature after death. While they are scavengers and are sometimes a symbol of death and darkness, these giant birds have been noted several times in ancient history with positive connotations. The Tibetan buddhists believe that a body that is not eaten by a vulture is a bad omen, and leave out the bodies of the deceased as a “sky ritual”.

Zoroastrians branch off of this thought and believe that vultures are animals that help release the soul from the body. Furthermore, the ancient Egyptians admired vultures for their protective and nurturing nature towards their young.

An example of the last belief has been found and proven correct these past few weeks on the McNeil campus. Four weeks ago, a vulture was spotted frequenting the grounds outside the B wing courtyard. After closer inspection by assistant principal Stefan Bryant, he found a surprising discovery of a nest.

“I actually saw the vulture and didn’t realize she had laid a couple of eggs,” Bryant said. “We were wondering why she was hovering around. I went out there to see what was going on. I didn’t see her in the bushes, and when I went to the bushes she opened up on me. She flew up, and I saw that she had two eggs.”

During the frame of the buzzard’s stay on the McNeil campus, no harm has been done so far to neither student nor bird. Precautions have been put into place in order to prevent students from going near the nest, such as barricades and the blocking of windows nearest to the nest. If students don’t provoke the bird, the animal will be of no harm.

“The buzzard is not going to bother anybody, as long as they don’t aggravate it,” Bryant said. “For now we just put the barricades out in the grassy area and are hoping that as soon as the eggs hatch, she’s going to be able to safely take her young with her.”

Animal control has been called and stated that unless the animal is hurt, they will not come and get it. The bird is pretty much afraid of humans, but is also a nursing mom, so students will have to respect her space. After the buzzard leaves, the brush area will be cleared so that further buzzard nesting coincidences won’t occur.
During this time, just like the ancient Egyptians, Zoroastrians, and Buddhists, Mavs must be respectful to nature and its creatures. No matter what animal in whatever shape or form, we must acknowledge that the circle of life comes back to bite us, even after we’re dead.