Rousing Turkey Vulture adult – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Back in May of 2016 I photographed a very cooperative Turkey Vulture early in the morning in Box Elder County in northern Utah. I’d drive up to that general area to look for Burrowing and Short-eared Owls and I found them plus I also found this adult Turkey Vulture. I couldn’t drive past it without taking photos because I feel that this species is overlooked quite often by some bird photographers and people in general.
It was a beautiful, warm spring morning and I had gotten up at o’dark hundred and started my drive north with a travel mug of coffee, tunes playing on my stereo, and stars twinkling in the sky overhead. The drive north relaxed me and as I drove the sky began to lighten and I had high hopes for photographing my target birds and any others I might find.
When I first stopped by this Turkey Vulture it wasn’t doing much so I drove down the road and hoped it would still be there when I returned. When I turned back towards the north the vulture was still there and it actually became a bit more active.
It roused and shook its feathers, it pooped and turned to face the rising sun. The hillside behind the bird was dotted with yellow wildflowers which added a pop of color and interest to the out of focus background.
Adult Turkey Vulture stretching its wing – Nikon D810, f9, 1/640, ISO 250, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I had pulled well off of the road so I wouldn’t have to worry about traffic coming up on me which meant that I could take my time photographing this adult Turkey Vulture at the beginning of its day. It was quiet, peaceful and I felt stress free. The vulture stretched its right wing way out and fanned its tail at the same time while looking directly towards me. After I took this frame the vulture also lifted its wings over its back bilaterally twice before it lifted off and finally flew away.
The memories of photographing this Turkey Vulture that spring morning have made me feel excited because these vultures are heading north now and soon I will have them in my viewfinder again.
Life is good. Birds… make it better.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Turkey Vulture photos plus facts and information about this species.
LOVE that wing stretch.
And wish we had vultures.
I feel like he’s saying, “Ta da!” and taking a little bow in the second shot. How delightful!
I’m a big fan of TVs, Condors, and the like — not just for the job they do, but I also like the juxtaposition of their regal bodies with their cute little bald heads. 🙂