The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is, in our time, found most commonly in Central Asia. But as recently as 70 to 130 years ago, the species could be found in southern Spain. These birds' nests in isolated, mountainous locations include man-made objects that the vultures found. They function as unintended time capsules. Smithsonian magazine reports that archaeologists have studied these materials in long-abandoned vulture nests.
Among the 200 human artifacts are a sandal that dates back 650 years, a crossbow bolt, a slingshot, and horse tack. Radiocarbon dating permits scientists to establish when these organic materials were produced.
-via David Thompson | Photos: David Ruh and Ecology, respectively