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Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Turkey Vulture


Took these photos of Turkey Vultures on Jekyll Island, GA, a wonderful place to bird. Turkey Vultures are not your cutsie birds. Some think they're downright ugly. I tend to think they're an acquired taste. Pretty face, no, but look at those silver underwing feathers. Wow. You usually do not see the silver beneath the wings because it's in shadow. However, these Turkey Vultures were flying low over a sandy area that reflected light up under the wings, illuminating the silver. That's the kind of situation you need to get these photos.
Turkey Vultures are "nature's garbage collecter's" providing a vital service in cleaning up the carrion and roadkills they feed upon. TV's seem to be expanding their range into northern areas and we have seen them more and more in NH since we moved here 7 years ago. We know they're nesting nearby. TV's winter in southern areas, but already have been seen back in New England in coastal areas.

3 comments:

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Beautiful shots.The wings on these birds are quite impressive.We had a chance to photograph three TVs this past summer.
Blessings,Ruth

Montanagirl said...

When my husband and I moved back to Montana in 2001 (from Alaska), we were pretty much retired, and I had time on my hands. I became an avid bird watcher, bird feeder, and bird photographer. We see a lot of TV's in our area all summer. Great fun to watch them riding and gliding on the air currents. Nice photos you posted.

Connie said...

I am not a turkey vulture fan, but you made them look good! I think you found their good side!