- \n
- are carrion eaters<\/li>\n
- prefer fresh carrion but they can’t open the carcass of thick-skinned animals so they often wait until it is putrid and soft before they dine.<\/li>\n
- typically\u00a0enter the carcass through the genitals, anus, nostrils or mouth and consume the tongue and eyes first<\/li>\n
- will eat almost anything that is dead, including skunks.\u00a0 But even Turkey Vultures have limits and they will often eat around skunk scent glands and leave them behind.<\/li>\n
- deliberately defecate on their own legs and feet, possibly as a cooling mechanism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n![\"turkey](\"http:\/\/featheredphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/turkey-vulture-1272-ron-dudley.jpg\" "\\"turkey")
<\/p>\n1\/1000, f\/8, ISO 500, 500 f\/4, natural light<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
They also often assume poses similar to this one when in direct sunlight.\u00a0 This behavior is thought to be a form of thermoregulation or a way of utilizing the sterilizing effect of ultraviolet on\u00a0their plumage.\u00a0 Or both.<\/p>\n
Yes, some of the behaviors of this species tend to put\u00a0some of us off a\u00a0bit but it’s nice that there’s someone “out there” to clean\u00a0up all of those nasty carcasses.\u00a0 In fact, the genus name for this bird,\u00a0Cathartes, means “purifier”.\u00a0 Quite appropriate, I\u00a0 think.<\/p>\n
Ron<\/p>\n
Note:\u00a0 I’m on a camping\/photo trip for a few days and will be largely\u00a0out of touch until my return.\u00a0 I’ll catch up on answering comments and\u00a0any questions when I return.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Some folks think of Turkey Vultures as\u00a0pretty revolting birds.\u00a0 Personally, I find that to be an unfair characterization but perhaps some of the following facts will explain the reaction some have toward these vultures.\u00a0 (warning – I suggest that you not be eating as you read this…) Turkey Vultures: are carrion eaters prefer fresh carrion but they can’t open the carcass of thick-skinned animals so they often wait until it is putrid and soft before they dine. typically\u00a0enter the carcass through the genitals, anus, nostrils or mouth and consume the tongue and eyes first will eat almost anything that is dead, including skunks.\u00a0 But even Turkey Vultures have limits and they will often eat around skunk scent glands and leave them behind. deliberately defecate on their own legs and feet, possibly as a cooling mechanism. 1\/1000, f\/8, ISO 500, 500 f\/4, natural light They also often assume poses similar to this one when in direct sunlight.\u00a0 This behavior is thought to be a form of thermoregulation or a way of utilizing the sterilizing effect of ultraviolet on\u00a0their plumage.\u00a0 Or both. Yes, some of the behaviors of this species tend to put\u00a0some of us off a\u00a0bit but it’s nice that there’s someone “out there” to clean\u00a0up all of those nasty carcasses.\u00a0 In fact, the genus name for this bird,\u00a0Cathartes, means “purifier”.\u00a0 Quite appropriate, I\u00a0 think. Ron Note:\u00a0 I’m on a camping\/photo trip for a few days and will be largely\u00a0out of touch until my return.\u00a0 I’ll catch up on answering comments and\u00a0any questions when I…<\/p>\n