Turkey Vultures 2 by Punaguy

Photography • Landscape • posted on May 01, 2005

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Description

Another shot of Turkey Vultures taken early morning as they were sunning again on the lake. Adult: Red head Yellowish bill Reddish legs Immature: Gray head Gray bill Gray legs Range Throughout all the deserts of the Southwest, as well as most of North America. Habitat Dry, open country, ranch lands and along roadsides where carrion is common. Description The Turkey Vulture is one of North America's largest birds of prey. It reaches a length of 32 inches with a wing span of 6 feet. Its overall color is brown-black with a featherless, red head, white bill and yellow feet among mature adults. Immature birds have a darker face. Although usually silent, the bird will occasionally emit a soft hiss or groan. In flight, the Turkey Vulture rocks from side to side, rarely flapping its wings which are held at a V-angle called a dihedral. Silver-gray flight feathers look lighter than the black lining feathers of the underwing. Its long tail extends beyond its legs and feet in flight. Vultures are best known for their practice of feeding on dead animal carcasses, but will occasionally attack young and helpless animals as well. They obtain much of their water from the moisture in carrion, and their powerful kidneys enable them to excrete less water when expelling waste products. Turkey vultures, like other carrion birds, are protected from disease associated with decaying animals by a very sophisticated immune system. Their unfeathered "bald" head is easy to keep clean and is characteristic of vultures and condors throughout the world. Thanks for having a peek, and have a great weekend everyone! Aloha!

Comments (17)

thevolunteer

1:32AM | Sun, 01 May 2005

Very nice work Dave. I like the frame too. Aloha and watch for my Japan photos when I return in June.

camrhe

2:16AM | Sun, 01 May 2005

Hi Dave........Aloha (sharky_'s sister)

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sharky_

4:21AM | Sun, 01 May 2005

Very Impressiave..............Aloha

KiwiMiss

5:50AM | Sun, 01 May 2005

Beautiful clear shots. I really love the textures on that branch in the bottom shot too

ebsmooth

9:54AM | Sun, 01 May 2005

there was this movie from way back when, i think Jim Henson made it, called the Secret of Nyhm that used puppets.. these vultures remind me of the villans of the movie, they look just like them! awesome captures all around!!!

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sossy

9:57AM | Sun, 01 May 2005

outstanding and impressive captures of this wonderful examples! ;o)

Tedz

11:30AM | Sun, 01 May 2005

I have Gray Hair...no wonder I am called Immature...must check My Legs... a fine Couple here!

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nongo

11:44AM | Sun, 01 May 2005

I'm partial to the immature one myself, he has a gentle look for a bird of prey, I also really like the contrast of that interesting tree he's sitting on!!!! excellent!!!! ;)

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