In the Wasatch Mountains - XI. Flying Turkey Vulture

Turkey vultures usually appear out of nowhere in the mountains, they soar in the sky for a while and disappear.  Seeing these birds in flight is true happiness.

 Life goes on.

Turkey Vultures in Tall Dead Tree

 

When I saw several Turkey Vultures in the tall dead leafless tree I thought that it would be not a big deal to cross the wet field to get closer to them. Sadly, there were a few deep streams on my way that I would have to cross too.

It took almost fifteen minutes to find the right way to dead tree and Vultures but I got there and was happy.

I have never seen Turkey Vultures in the trees.  These birds are gregarious birds and they probably spent the night in dead tree.  The tree was in the open area and the birds could easily observe what was going on the ground.

This Vulture settled comfortably between two branches and stayed there for a long time.

It seemed that every Vulture had his/her favorite branch to stay.

Is it really comfortable to perch on the top of the branch trying hard to maintain balance?  Apparently, it was not a big problem for this Vulture.

There were approximately fifteen Vultures in dead leafless tree.   When I was ready to take a photo of dead leafless tree with Vultures there were left only two Vultures in the tree. I missed the moment...

Generally, life is good!

Turkey Vultures on the Windy Rainy Day

 

Last Thursday morning was full of surprises. It was windy and rainy. Seeing the male and female Turkey Vultures was another wonderful surprise. 

I  had a difficult time to distinguish the male Vulture from the female because they didn't show any visible difference in their appearance but watching their behavior made me believe that the first bird on the photo above is the male.  He acted as he was in control. 

The female Turkey Vulture finally turned her head and looked at me.  Her feathers are ruffled from the wind. Her bald dark red head and a white tipped bill isn't something that most people think as good looking bird but Turkey Vultures are awesome birds and do things you even can't imagine.  

They feed on dead animals that we even don't see, these birds have strong stomachs and a strong sense of smell and they are so graceful in flight.

Generally, life is good!  Meeting Turkey Vultures made it even better.

In the Wasatch Mountains -II. Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vulture?  In the mountains?  I certainly wasn't prepared to see this bird there and at the beginning mistook it for a Hawk.

I didn't have my telephoto lens with me and thought what I can do about this encounter.  Not much but... when the Turkey Vulture flew along the rocky mountains I took a few shots.  Here is one of them.

To my surprise the Vulture returned back and was soaring a few times over my head, not very close but close enough to take this photo.

In early July I saw a Ground Squirrel there and this morning hiked to this place hoping that a Squirrel will be there inside the cave of rock but a cave was dark and empty.  Instead I watched and photographed the Turkey Vulture.

Generally, life is good!

Turkey Vulture

I knew that if you are lucky you may see Turkey Vultures at Bear river. Occasionally. 

Two weeks ago I saw a flock of Turkey Vultures but they were so far away until the brave one came closer.

Adult Turkey Vulture is showing how big and powerful she is. Juvenile Turkey Vultures have grayish head.

Some think that the face of Turkey Vulture is ugly. I disagree. It's just  different. I find Turkey Vulture's face very interesting.

Again on the show spreading her wings.  She looks truly big and powerful. 

Turkey Vultures are special birds. Their wings are huge relative to their weight, so they can stay aloft on raising air currants with very little flapping.

When trapped these birds vomit toward a predator protecting themselves.