Turkey Vulture

1/160s at f5.6, ISO:1000, Canon Mark III 1Ds w/800mm


The Turkey Vulture is found throughout most of the Americas. It inhabits a variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, shrublands, pastures, and deserts. The Turkey Vulture is a scavenger and feeds almost exclusively on carrion. It finds its meals using its keen vision and sense of smell, flying low enough to detect the gasses produced by the beginnings of the process of decay in dead animals. It roosts in large community groups. It nests in caves, hollow trees, or thickets, each year generally raising two chicks, which it feeds by regurgitation. It is a permanent resident in the southern United States, though northern birds may migrate as far south as South America.
Pt. Reyes, CA
 
12/23/2009