..took a snap of this turkey vulture while resting on a hike with a local group in ruffner mountain..
The Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura, is a bird found throughout most of the Americas. It’s also known in some North American regions as the Turkey Buzzard (or just Buzzard), and in some areas of the Caribbean as the John Crow or Carrion Crow. One of three species in the genus Cathartes, in the family Cathartidae, the Turkey Vulture is the most widespread of the New World vultures, ranging from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. It inhabits a variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, shrublands, pastures, and deserts. A large bird, it has a wingspan of 170–183 cm (67–72 in), a length of 64–81 cm (25–32 in), and weight of 0.85–2.26 kg (1.9–5 lb). It has dark brown to black plumage; a featherless, purplish-red head and neck; and a short, hooked, ivory-colored beak. Its life expectancy in the wild ranges upward of 16 years, with a captive life span of over 30 years being possible.
15 replies on “buzzard”
Awesome wingspan!
What a fabulous POV, Rian. Knowing what these buzzards eat, no wonder they can live so long. Must have stomachs of steel!
Fabulous perspective and details. Great capture.
Waouwwww …
Je me sens pousser des ailes.
Great one !
The design of the wing in full flight along with the eye are just W°W !
An amazing capture Rian. I was surprised as our “thanksgiving” turkey’s don’t fly. Never seen a buzzard…this is incredible.
Great shot!
fine capture of this buzzard in flight. it almost looks better in flight than when sitting still. 🙂
wow! i would be so happy to have taken something like this. gorgeous and strong bird and image.
Very well captured, Rian!
Nice in-flight shot! Very sharp. It’s face looks sort of like a cartoon character. No?
Very cool. A beautifully sharp shot.
Very skillfully done.
@mike.. – yeah, his head doesn’t quite fit the body.. weird critter..
great shot, simply awesome