Vultures as archeologists

I saw two back-to-back articles (here and here, with the original paper published here) on the subject of bearded vulture nests being used as a source of archeological treasures. Fascinating.

It seems bearded vultures, an Old World species, have nests that go back generations. Some of these nests, in fact, go back centuries. Biologists are learning that sometimes, over the course of time, the vultures have incorporated things in the construction or reinforcement of their nests that are of archeological interest. As a result, scientists have started examining these nests with a closer eye.

In northern Spain, archeologists found over 200 human artifacts, including a  650-year-old sandal made from woven twigs and grasses. Other finds include bits of rope, a crossbow bolt with a wooden lance, a slingshot, and bits of leather. How cool is that?

For obvious reasons, the scientists are only examining nests that are no longer in use, since they must tease them apart layer by layer. Since the vultures often nest in cliff caves, the cool, dry microclimates have proven to be perfect for preserving artifacts for centuries.

Nature is amazing.