Spring Turkey Vulture on a fence post – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light, not baited
Yesterday afternoon I received an email from the UBird Google group with a first of the year Turkey Vulture sighting and that got me excited.
I know, I know. Some people don’t get excited about Turkey Vultures. I’m not one of those people.
I like photographing Turkey Vultures. I like their dark plumage, their white bills, and their bald heads. I like how they are nature’s clean up crew. I like how they thermoregulate in the sun. I like how they stick together when roosting. And I love to watch them soar on thermals. Any time, any day.
I know that the next time I head out into the field I will be watching for Turkey Vultures on the wing, on the ground, on cliff faces, and ranch corrals. I can’t resist photographing these large, dark birds.
I have missed them over the winter. It is great to know that the Turkey Vultures are back in northern Utah.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Turkey Vulture photos plus facts and information about this species.
Such a handsome bird! I never get tired of looking at Turkey Vultures — especially when they pose like this!
They frequent the populated foothills of Bountiful but I haven’t seen any yet. I too enjoy watching them soar.
I love seeing them return to the Jordanelle area.
Thank you for newfound appreciation. We have so many here in DC-MD-VA, I’ve come to take these “clean-up crews” for granted.
I love seeing them soak up heat, basking in the sun, like the one in your photo.
I hope you see them soon. I wish my country had vultures.
I love seeing Turkey Vultures too. Ugly to look at, maybe, but so graceful in the air. I’ll start looking for ours soon.