Posted by Charles Mills on January 29, 2010 at 7:17 PM
Vultures aren't known for their contest winning looks but they do play an important role in the nature of things. This particular specimen, a Turkey Vulture, was photographed earlier this month as it sunned on the rip rock of the upper parking lot below the spillway at Millwood Lake.
Nikon DSLR
600mm f4 VR
Bean bag on window
f8 @ 1/1250, ISO 400
UniWB preset
quite a disgusting bird, they are important though. Nice capture
Posted by Brian Schrayer on January 30, 2010 at 12:21 AM
I would vote for not so handsome. However, this is a nice photo of a not so handsome bird. From a technical point of view this is well captured.
Posted by Brad Mangas on January 30, 2010 at 12:52 AM
Wonderful capture Charles, and I may be in the minority but I would vote for a rather handsome devil. But then I only have the morning mirror to compare it to.
Quite handsome for such an ugly bird and a great capture.
Posted by Daniel Loomis on January 30, 2010 at 9:37 AM
The Parsis (Zoroastrians in India) consider vultures as sacred birds. They do not believe in earth burial, so they place their dead in open-air "towers of silence" where vultures and other carrion eaters devour their flesh. Parsis are the only faith community that recycles as part of their religious observation.
While they may not win any beauty contests, vultures are remarkable flyers. Thanks for sharing an example of nature's wonderful diversity. A fine photo.
Discussion
5 repliesNikon DSLR
600mm f4 VR
Bean bag on window
f8 @ 1/1250, ISO 400
UniWB preset
While they may not win any beauty contests, vultures are remarkable flyers. Thanks for sharing an example of nature's wonderful diversity. A fine photo.