Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Black Suit Scavenger


1/80 sec. f/8 ISO 1600

I've photographed Turkey Vultures before, but these are my very first photos of a Black Vulture. I don't see them that often.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday


37 comments:

Andy said...

The first time I ever saw a Turkey Vulture was in 1974 when I was driving on the I-75 on my way to Florida. Since then they have extended their range and are now a common sight north of Lake Ontario.

Bas. said...

Wauw om deze zomaar tegen te komen is al mooi maar de foto,s zijn geweldig.

Pamela Gordon said...

Great close ups, Brian. Turkey vultures are now flying our skies as of about 4 years ago.

Nancy's Notes said...

Incredible shots, Brian!

Carole M. said...

...isn't it great to come across something new, and to also get fantastic photos too; always a treat from you Brian

Roan said...

He's even more creepy than the buzzards we have around here.

Tanya Breese said...

they are pretty impressive!

TexWisGirl said...

hooray for you! i think the black vultures are very handsome, actually. they perch on my power pole a lot and don't mind the dogs or me moving around below.

Karen said...

I agree with Tex, a very handsome bird. We don't get them this far north. Great photos!

JOY @ http://joysjotsshots.blogspot.com/ said...

Sorry I just can't say he's a well dressed man. Eerie. Thanks for sharing anyway. Rare.

Gail Dixon said...

We have tons of these, but I've never gotten a photo. These are really great! Magnificent bird and keeps our environment in check.

genie said...

My on my!!! You rely got some great shots of this one. He is one impressive specimen capable of getting whatever he wants. Such an impressive bird. Quite an impressive black suit he is sporting for you.

Nancy J said...

Sharp eyes, surveying what is below, and those claws or talons, a firm grip on the post, wonderful photo. Cheers, Jean.

Lindsjö taxar said...

Oh very special bird I think
Nice posts....the pink flowers...what a colour. The egret is Beautiful...havent seen anyone here yet.
Have a great day!
M//

theconstantwalker said...

Nothing like it on my patch Brian...

Unknown said...

I think impressive is the right word. I wouldn't call him handsome exactly.

Debbie said...

i have photographed them, never like this * sigh *

awesome brian, you can "feel" his size!!

DeniseinVA said...

Impressive shots Brian, I love these guys. The first time I really got a close up look at these vultures was a couple of years ago. We always seem to have the red headed ones flying around here. Fascinating birds and nature's clean-up crew.

Montanagirl said...

Wow - you captured him beautifully! Wonderful shots, Brian!

Anonymous said...

What an impressive-looking bird he is! He looks very regal on his lofty perch.

Hootin Anni said...

So many think they're ugly, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm one of those...they're unique and quite handsome. Well done Brian. Very artistic compositions.

Rohrerbot said...

I love all birds known as Vultures. They are fascinating in behavior. Nice up close shot on this one. Congrats!

Rohrerbot said...

I love all birds known as Vultures. They are fascinating in behavior. Nice up close shot on this one. Congrats!

Amy Burzese said...

Nice job. They are impressive to see, but that face . . .

Karen said...

What a wonderful bird. Great captures.

Anonymous said...

I'm still hoping to see a black vulture one day. We have loads of the turkey vultures here. These are fantastic captures!

~Lindy

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Great shots and a lovely bird.

Lindsjö taxar said...

Hi Brian!
Yes the trees are like that because of years of wind from the ocean.
Öland is a very nice and rare Island. Many Tourists is visiting in summer. It has also a very rare nature and birds. Its on the Unescos World heritage. You can find a lot over Öland on Google

Stewart M said...

I'm not sure I should use the word "nice" to describe these birds, but you probably know what I mean!

cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Until recently I could honestly say I love the American Black Vulture, which you photographed superbly. Then I learned about what they do to birthing calves...changed my mind back a bit...

Unknown said...

Great find!! Boom, Bobbi and Gary.

Ida said...

I've never seen a Black Vulture before. Your shots are fabulous. What a cool (and sort of creepy looking) bird.

A Colorful World said...

He's all dressed up for the banquet! Nice shot. Glad you saw the Black vulture.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

He's not as ugly as the turkey vulture, but the more I learn about them, the more I hope I never seen one.

barbara l. hale said...

Wow! He's a rather handsome, but scary fellow. I have seen many turkey vultures in my day, but never one of these. Thanks!

Dave said...

It is certainly one of the smarter vultures of its family. I enjoyed seeing them lining up along many fence posts while in Venezuela a few years ago.

TheChieftess said...

Ominous!!!