Turkey Vulture photos by Larry Jordan
Driving home from work the other night, almost dusk, I see a gathering of Turkey Vultures or TVs as we like to call them. This guy was sitting atop someone’s gate post watching the dozen or so other vultures feeding on a dead deer. Most likely a road kill, although it was several yards off the roadway.
They flew up into the closest large oak to observe me as I approached the bird on the post to get the close up photo.
Turkey Vultures feed almost exclusively on carrion, cleaning up all the dead animal’s remains across North and South America. They roost in large communal groups, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. You may have seen many roosting in snags early in the morning or on rainy days.
They are beautiful on the wing, soaring with wings held in a slight V (called a dihedral) and seldom flapping. The easiest way to distinguish a TV from another large soaring raptor is that Turkey Vutures tip their wings from side to side while soaring and other raptors do not. Enjoy the rest of the wekend and go check out the other photos on Camera Critters.
Comments on this entry are closed.
Hi Larry, I am a ‘rookie’ birder on the Cumberland Plateau in TN (2000 ft. elevation).. I am learning more and more about birds from people like you. I have enjoyed reading your blogs. You must live in a gorgeous place!!!
Thanks!
Betsy
Betsy from Tennessees last blog post..Where did You Go, Mr. B-jay???
Glad you visited me so I could find your blog! I find the turkey vulture fascinating – enjoyed your photos!
Shelleys last blog post..Liking that suet plug feeder
Wow! I know these guys are considered ugly by some but I find them interesting to watch soar! I always seem to catch them as they fly over but have never have been able to photograph one perched! Great job! Neat pics! Thanks for stopping by..
@Betsy thanks for the comment. Birding is addicting so watch out! And yes we do live in a most beautiful place
@Shelly I’m glad I found yours too… great blog!
@Tina has a wonderful site here: http://tinasbirdyarns.blogspot.com/
stop by and see her beautiful birds…thanks Tina for stopping by
I’ve seen these fantastic raptors up close and personal at a local bird preserve. You have some great shots on your website. I enjoyed my visit!
Gerald
Gerald S.s last blog post..Food Additives – Are They Dangerous to Your Health?