Raptors On Roost

Posted by JIM NIGRO on September 29, 2009 - 7:26pm

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Turkey vultures are normally seen gliding high overhead, soaring on thermal currents, those columns of rising warm air that enable them to cover miles while conserving energy at the same time. Last Wednesday I took these photos along the edge of an evergreen forest. Seven were roosting in a dead hardwood with several more situated in a splintered pine.

While a few birds flew back and forth between the edge of the pines and the dead tree, for the most part they were unalarmed, staying put for several photos.

Above photo depicts one turkey vulture spreading its wings while another preens its feathers. There is much speculation as to the reason for this practice. Some believe the wings are used as solar panels to generate body warmth while others tend to think they are utilizing the suns ultraviolet rays to kill bacteria picked up from diseased carcasses.

They are ominous-looking creatures, and with their featherless heads, turkey vultures may not be much in terms of appearance, yet they perform a valuable service by cleaning up carrion. Even from high overhead, the turkey vulture employs its keen sense of smell to locate food, one of the few birds of prey able to do so.

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Posted by Barbara Nigro on September 29, 2009 - 4:44pm

Hey Jimbo, just wanted to let you know that your pictures still intrigue me. Especially special now because you are using Chris's camera and it does such a good job of capturing your subject matter.....You have such a knack of putting into words what you see in your minds eye. Keep up the good work bro.

Posted by JIM NIGRO on September 29, 2009 - 5:48pm

Thanks Barb - That camera is like American Express - I don't leave home without it! I do have an anxious moment or two when taking it in the canoe.
It was good seeing you last week, hope all is well in the Bay area.

Posted by Susan Brownell on September 29, 2009 - 9:21pm

Great pictures and article Jim.

I saw about 7 turkey vultures today on Jericho Road in Bergen. They were in a field eating, what looked to be a dead deer. Don't usually see so many together. As I drove by, two of them were having a spat! :)

I think that they are an interesting bird. I never tire of craning my neck to get a good look at one when it is close.

Posted by Buck Strang on September 29, 2009 - 10:34pm

Natures clean up crew! thanks jim awesome as usual!!

Posted by Mike Kelly on September 29, 2009 - 10:59pm

Here is an interesting fact for you. It may be a little gross so be prepared. I've shot several woodchuck in the field behind my house this past summer. I usually leave them lay for whatever wants to feed on them. Last week I happened to shoot a straggler and let him lay in the field as usual. Several hours later I noticed a couple vultures circling the area. Sure enough, they came in and began to argue a little over the carcass. Next day I noticed the carcass still laying in the general vicinity so I went to check it out. The carcass was intact but completely flat. It turns out that the vultures actually go in through the anus and eat the interior only. Sounds a little gross but that's nature.

Posted by Bob Price on September 29, 2009 - 11:10pm

I always like to watch them when I can-it's pretty neat how they just glide through the sky for minutes on end without flapping wings.

Posted by Mardell Lamb on September 30, 2009 - 10:28am

Great pics Jim! Did you use a zoom lens or were you really that close?

Thanks for the tid bit of info, Mike. Yep, gross indeed. I learned something new today!

Posted by JIM NIGRO on September 30, 2009 - 12:12pm

Thank you Susan & Buck. Susan, did you do any fishing this summer? Was wondering if you happened to finally land another northern.

Mike, that was an interesting bit of info. I've seen the same thing done to numerous deer carcasses over the years, always thinking it was the work of coyotes or raccoons.

Bob Price, I have to agree with you. Despite the vulture's diet and up-close appearance, they do appear graceful when soaring high overhead.

Mardell, glad you enjoyed the pics. I did use the camera's zoom, though just a bit. I was able to get within 20 - 25 yards.