On my first trip to Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge, I was delighted to take some Turkey Vulture images, where I had also photographed Black Vultures.
I took the Black Vultures’ images earlier in the morning. When I drove back by this dead tree, Turkey Vultures had replaced the Black Vultures.
Adult Turkey Vulture at Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 800, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On my subsequent visits to Tishomingo NWR, I have noticed that I see far more Black Vultures than I do Turkey Vultures. That kind of tickles me because I never saw Black Vultures when I lived in Utah.
But I still enjoy seeing and photographing Turkey Vultures. Both vulture species are valuable and vital parts of nature’s clean-up crew here in Oklahoma.
Turkey Vulture at Tishomingo NWR – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 800, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Turkey Vultures I found on the dead tree were a little nervous about me sitting in my Jeep photographing them, so I took my photos quickly and left them in peace.
I don’t like making my subjects uncomfortable or uneasy about my presence. Since Tishomingo doesn’t seem to get a lot of visitors, I don’t think the birds there are as acclimated to human presence as they have been at other refuges I have been to.
Turkey Vultures might not be “pretty” birds, but I find them to be great subjects and I truly appreciate what they do as a species. Of course, that includes Black Vultures too.
Getting to photograph both vulture species in one day? I’m thrilled. Maybe even beyond thrilled. Yes, I am beyond thrilled.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Turkey Vulture photos plus facts and information about this species.
Good pics of nature’s custodians. The detail is incredible. I’m afraid I’m still stuck on the idea that vultures are a reflection of how dino beasties may have looked 80/90 million years ago. Fun to imagine. Thanks Mia.
I love the colors you captured in the feathers.
Oh man I love both species so much! I find them pretty in a nontraditional sense.
As always, your photos are stunning.
As I have often said, I envy your vultures. We could do with a similar clean-up crew.