In yesterday’s post I mentioned that I’d seen an unusually large grouping of Turkey Vultures two days ago in Box Elder County but that I had difficulties photographing them well, so I may or may not end up posting any of them. In their comments, several readers mentioned that they’d like to see some of the photos anyway, suggesting that “Mr. Nitpicker” was once again being too picky.
So here are some of them, for what they’re worth.
This photo illustrates some of the problems I was having. There were about 40 vultures in half a dozen groups that were perched right next to the road (on both sides) within less than a hundred yards of each other. Between fence lines and vegetation, including clumps of sunflowers, I rarely got an unobstructed look at any of them while they were perched. I was also having difficulties getting sharp shots of them, for reasons I still haven’t figured out.
There were no animal carcasses nearby to attract such a large number of vultures so, given the time of year, I believe they were migrating. Or about to.
But individuals in each group were constantly taking off and flying low around their perched companions so…
getting flight shots of them was relatively easy. This is a juvenile.
And this is an adult. It was nice to have them coming in so close but as you know, plain blue sky backgrounds don’t excite me much.
Some of them on both sides of the road would assume this classic vulture pose but they were never in an ideal setting.
My best opportunity for photos I liked was to try to get pre-landing shots as one of them flew in to join some of the other vultures on the ground. Shots like this were about as close as I came but each time the opportunity only lasted for a couple of seconds because as they got close to the other vultures on the ground…
there was always vegetation (usually sunflowers) or other vultures in front of the bird I’d been following. This photo was taken in a burst three frames after the previous one.
So there you have it – a mostly mediocre collection of vulture photos but they document what for me was a special occasion. I’d never before been this close to such a large number of Turkey Vultures for so long (an hour and 13 minutes). It was an experience I won’t soon forget, especially on such a perfectly beautiful morning in a remote location with no one else around.
Now I just have to figure out why most of my 682 vulture photos were too soft to use. Photos I took of other birds that morning that should have been sharp, were sharp.
Ron
I have seen a few up close here in New England. I don’t know if there is an uglier bird !!
“I don’t know if there is an uglier bird.”
Gary, I think the Marabou Stork gives them a run for their money.
I’ll have to look that one up. After posting my comment I was thinking that a wild turkey’s head is pretty ugly too !!
These aren’t mediocre to me! Love the landing shots. Even the first one with the vegetation obstructing much of the view still tells a story. The shot with the juvenile filling in the diagonal is pretty spectacular. I don’t think I’d want anything but the plain blue sky in that one — anything else would detract from those wings!
It’s been a rough day and this post was the perfect antidote. If you have any more, I’ll take ‘em! 💜
Thanks, Marty. Glad you enjoyed them. I have plenty “more” like this but they won’t be seeing the light of day.
Thank you. I loved seeing them, and wish (so much) that I could have the privilege for myself. And yes, the plain blue sky doesn’t add much to your photos – but it doesn’t need to.
“the plain blue sky doesn’t add much to your photos – but it doesn’t need to.”
Interesting observation, EC. I hope you’re right at least some of the time.
When I get home I’ll share my R5 experiences with you. They’re not all good.
Jim, I don’t expect them to be all good. The R5 does have its issues, as I’ve reported several times.
I actually thought of you and your new R5 this morning on my way to Bear River. In Brazil I suspect you’ve been shooting lots of birds in the understory in very low light. The R5’s AF leaves a lot to be desired in low light. And you may be having other issues too. But the photos you’ve posted on the road sure look sharp to me. Sharper than the photos I posted today.
Thanks for posting the photos. Like them, if for no other reason, because we get to see what you describe in your postings.
That second one may have an uninspiring blue background, but I really like it.
Thanks, Miichael. I don’t hate blue sky backgrounds. I just don’t think they add much to my photos.
They are fun to watch Ron. I have always thought they have a beautiful wing span. Almost makes you forget that head. As we all know, like them or not, they are an essential part of nature and efficiently do their job 24/7/365.
Everett, actually I’ve gotten over the perceived ugliness of their head. I try to imagine them with a “normal” head and it just doesn’t work for me.
Appreciate this post a lot – feels like we’re in the truck with you – and later at the computer with you swearing at the soft shots. Nice to see such a large group of Turkey Vultures.
“swearing at the soft shots”
That’s for sure, Kathleen. It’s so deflating to think you have lots of good shots and see that nearly all of them are soft when you get home.
Luv it! Even with all your “shortcomings”……;) The last 2 shots in particular. 2nd to last coming in for a landing REALLY appeals to me.. 🙂
Back to warmer weather for a couple of days. With an El Nino winter predicted we don’t need to lose what moisture we have gotten….
Judy, I was just looking at those anticipated El Nino weather/moisture maps. Pretty scary in a lot of areas.
I can clearly see your frustration with those shots, none of them being as sharp as you usually get. But you had a good experience and poor shots or not, it was nice to share the experience with you.
Thanks, Granny Pat.
Thanks for this post, Ron. In North Carolina we have turkey vultures year round.
Michelle, the only disadvantage to having them year round is not being able to look forward to their return… 🙂