Sunday, April 27, 2008

The beauty of a Turkey Vulture




























As my husband and I were driving back downstate from Northern Michigan, I thought I had spotted a juvenile Bald Eagle. My husband turned the car around and we did a second pass and found it to be a Turkey Vulture. He was disappointed but I was actually thrilled. He was quite interesting to watch. He kept spreading his wings out like a peacock. As I contemplated his face - bare and not very attractive, he took off into the sky. And then I thought - look how beautiful the Turkey Vulture is in flight.

9 comments:

The Birdlady said...

I agree - they have faces only a mother could love, but they are the most beautiful in flight!

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

Beautiful pictures. Really nice captures. We have around 50 of them that roost in trees right near our house. In the mornings, they sometimes spread their wings to warm them in the sun before they take to the air. They're amazing to watch.

Gwen Buchanan said...

What a beautiful blog this is!! Glad I came! Gorgeous captures!!

Wonderful to see a Turkey Vulture!! They are moving up this way too (new Brunswick Canada).. my daughter saw one on a road kill carcass and my 14 yr old saw a Turkey Vulture and a Black vulture.. I have never had the pleasure yet.. I will be patiently watching...

J. Karl Clampit said...

Nice post. Never been able to get one close enough to get a picture. Always see them in flight here in Arkansas. Thanks for sharing!

Love the new look, I'm in the process of changing mine, you inspired me!

Stacey Olson said...

I have always thought they are beautiful.. Not real fun if you have to rescue one.. but beautiful in their own way.. thanks for sharing.
(is this a new background to your blog?)

Shelley said...

Birdlady - I'm sure their mother thinks they're pretty cute :-)

Sandpiper - Thank you for explaining that about them warming their wings. I was wondering if it was some sort of mating ritual!

Gwen - thank you so much for your kind words and coming by!

J.Karl - thanks for noticing the new blog design - I wanted to "spice things up!"

Stacy - Yes - new design for one of my biggest passions! Thank you for coming by - your pictures are a personal inspiration to me!

sandy said...

Nice pics. We were up in the Bay area in SF at my son's house and out their window is a tree where they all perch all day long. They are fun to watch.

sandy

Jessica said...

These Turkey Vultures have been flying all around my house the last week or so. I've never seen as many as I've seen this year.

Pamela S. said...

I love the photos taken of the Vulture! They are a favorite bird of mine and have been for many years. I have beeen lucky enough to catch sight of them in early morning drying their wings in the warmth of the sun. There is much to be learned from Vulture and what always comes forward for me when I spot them is witnessing their ability to soar the thermals without any effort at all, teaching me how to best utilize my own energy. Thanks again for the photos!
~Pamela S.