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| Turkey Vulture |
Ugly! Awesome! Finally! These were the words that came to my mind as I found these incredible scavengers near Montosa Canyon. I had been waiting for an opportunity like this for quite awhile.
It helped being the only one in Montosa Canyon early in the morning. Now look at these views. Southern Arizona is pretty amazing. The birds quickly flew off, but what were they gathered around?
Harbinger-anything
that foreshadows a future event. An omen or sign. What was this that made 5 Turkey Vultures come together?
For many, this may seem like an ugly bird, but might I suggest you watch this incredible scavenger fly. It's the most beautiful thing in the world. Close your eyes if you don't want to see what it was they were eating.
Now while this deer doesn't look very appetizing to us, it makes for a great meal for lots of wildlife around the area.
"Gorgeous!" is all that I could say to myself during the photo shoot on this cloudy morning. Those are mines in the background. A human stain on the landscape? Santa Rita residents are
fighting the Rosemont company who want to add some jobs to our weak economy. They promise that they won't do any damage whatsoever to Mother Nature or that any damage done will be very minimal. Should we believe them? After seeing other companies around the world who have claimed the same things, you all could say that I have my doubts. But let's stick to nature(while it's still around).
Look at this. I still smile at the incredible wingspan of this bird. It can reach 6 feet! That's one of me!
Their faces might remind me of the Skeksis from the Dark Crystal, but it's still a great bird to have around our area. So much more in store for you all. Some wonderful surprises have come my way during early morning hunts. I hope you'll enjoy the critters as much as I have. Summer may be hot, but the rain brings everyone out for a drink in the desert. More tomorrow...
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It pays to get up early. Impressive birds.
ReplyDeleteChris I so agree with you. Vultures may not be the best looking birds but when they fly, especially in that sort of landscape, the effect is awesome - masters of the sky.
ReplyDeleteYes it is scary, it is good we don't have it. Crows are enough for us because we only have chicks for their food, none for vultures. I am awed at your dexterity in shooting on mid air, i am at a loss, as i can't even freeze the front wings of my fluttering butterflies! ...and that new header is lovely!
ReplyDeleteI always loved seeing Turkey Vultures in the wilds of Anza. Of course most of their feeding grounds were Hwy 371.
ReplyDeleteI do consider T-Rex to be nothing more than a scavenger as opposed to the so-called Vicious animal depicted in Hollywood, and I realize that isn't exactly politically and philosophically correct, but then I am usually at odds with the misuse and abuses of science anyway. I mean look at our planet and who more than anyone else that is responsible for the present mess.
Nice pics!
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They are beautiful in a strange sort of way. A carrion eater. I love them.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful views! The vultures may be ugly but they are a good clean-up crew. And they look awesome in flight, I love to watch them soaring around the sky. We had rain all day yesterday, I was sad having to stay in the house all day. have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteHere in Texas we call them buzzards! And they do have a wonderful graceful flight.
ReplyDeleteThey are enormous. From Findlay
ReplyDeleteThey are indeed ugly big birds, but amazing to watch as they soar high overhead on air currents for hours on end.
ReplyDeleteFrom a distance vultures certainly are majestic birds with awesome wingspans.
Beautiful captures here, Chris.
Well done :)
Beautiful birds indeed! And I would imagine very graceful in flight. I like the similarity to Skeksis...how true! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAmazing header picture! The owl is just outstanding! I can see the beauty in the flight of these vultures but I think my adoration ends there. Ewww!
ReplyDeleteWohoooa... a lot of impressive pictures!
ReplyDeleteespecially the last one...
this creature will come to my nightmares))))
Have a great week!
xoxo, Juliana
[pjhappies.blogspot.com]
Your first shot is a beauty, but, like you, I prefer watching them fly!
ReplyDeleteMy view is that there is a place for everything in nature Chris, they all have a job to do, it's just that some are more attractive than others I guess. You've got some excellent shots of the flying vulture here, it's a shame about the deer, but that's the cycle oui!
ReplyDeleteIncredible birds and the landscape looks beautiful. What a wonderful area you live in :) and I think the vultures illustrate perfectly the important role every organism plays in an ecosystem!
ReplyDeleteI love to watch the vultures soar over the canyon although visitors are disappointed they are not condors.
ReplyDeleteNice new header.
They are pretty ugly up close, but they soar beautifully. They are so graceful in the air. I love the movie, The Dark Crystal!! It's a family favorite.
ReplyDeletei just passed 2 groups on my way home today - one dining on squirrel; the other on armadillo.
ReplyDeleteGreat birds Chris! Thanks for showing them. Six foot wing span must be something to be seen :-)
ReplyDeleteVery impressive photos Chris.
ReplyDeleteWe saw a turkey vulture while coming home from WV several years ago. We were stopped for a turn and the thing was sitting there. I couldn't believe how big it was. Awesome!!
really good pictures of these eaters of the dead...and rotting! haha. but really...most people don't appreciate these scavengers. i see them all the time...circling overhead...searching. and then gathering at the roadside...doing clean-up!! and since i collect BoNES, i can appreciate what they do!
ReplyDeletethey sure are weird looking though...and i DO think the Dark Crystal creature was definitely fashioned after a vulture!
i LOVEloveLOVE your new header picture!
Nice work Chris! Vultures are often seen but much less often photographed up close. They're both gross and admirable all at once
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery indeed!!!
ReplyDeleteThey are not the most attractive of birds but they certainly look very elegant in flight.
ooo nice....beautiful scenery
ReplyDeleteI love watching them soar...
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We have a lot of turkey vultures here too and I have to agree they are beautiful. I sometimes confuse them with hawks when they are high up in the sky. Quite the regal bird that serves a purpose. Poor deer.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos & post! And I'm glad I wasn't the only one photographing vultures recently:) I find them rather fascinating as well (my husband thinks it is quite strange of me). I often pass by trees full of them while I'm on a long distance run, and then chuckle to myself that I probably look so bad that they are speculating how I will probably be their next meal....harbingers indeed!
ReplyDeletebeautiful!! we have hawks in the city that i love to watch
ReplyDeleteI'm too much of a cynic to believe most companies. Too many will promise whatever it takes to get the go ahead, then make a mess and say oops!
ReplyDeleteI love it when you get super excited about something, Chris. But what the heck is that last photo? It's scary! My job is good. It is boring but it is steady boring, and I live getting up and having a routine. It's been so long since I have done that
ReplyDeleteGrrr...I will finish my comment now....because I have worked from home for so long.
ReplyDeleteSorry. For some reason I have such a hard time commenting on your blog from my tablet. I have to be perfect because it won't let me make any corrections. I am far from perfect!
There's a flock of turkey vultures here too -- we see them most days. They are magnificent birds in flight.
ReplyDelete