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The shots initially were tested on black vultures to make sure they could be safely injected into condors in managed care beginning in July.

Only when I stooped to read the label for one velvety red blossom — it was a cockscomb, Celosia “Dracula” — did I notice the knee-high, cast-foam black vulture that was sitting watchfully beside it.

Depending on when you go, you can expect to see bald eagles, northern harriers, black vultures or American kestrels.

It seems our black vultures may be that proverbial canary in the coal mine.

Officials said they were told Saturday that initial tests indicate the black vultures that roost at Noah’s Ark died of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain.