When I say redhead with brown eyes and a beautiful body – you imagine a turkey vulture right? I thought so!
I had to go all the way to California to find this beauty. That stunning face really stands out against the coastal fog. I like her choice of a black scarf to contrast that lovely skin. And then there’s those frosted tip feathers that just never seem to end.
She’s just gorgeous.
I think I like this photo the best – showing off those gorgeous feathers.
I wonder if playing dead would have got me a closer shot. I must try that next time!
Krahnpix 
Indeed, an absolutely stunning creature! I also like the photos best where it’s showing off it’s feathers – for that reason, of course, but also because of the lines in the picture and the look it’s giving the camera. Thanks for sharing pictures of all these interesting birds that I’ve never seen.
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Amazing !!!! This bird must be really big !!!!!!
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Glad you enjoyed it. The bird is big which makes its wingspan a thing of beauty. I will have to say though that it is an unusual beauty but maybe that’s what attracts me.
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I think you’d have to work on your “aroma”. It’s said they can sniff dead stuff from miles away… 😉 But if I were to go to all that trouble, I think I’d shoot for the California Condor. Bigger, better (might still be on the endangered list, though they’re making a come back at Big Sur thanks to a lot of work by dedicated conservationists.)
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First I didn’t think of multiple parties “attending” to me and then I forgot about he aroma part. I think that plan needs more work!
I just did some checking on the condors and, as usual, you’re right. Those look like amazing birds. I’ll have to keep my eye out for them next time though, given their size, that might not be an issue.
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And all this time I’ve been envious of your being able to photograph woves, bison, eagles…and the lowly vulture (a clean up god in my personal opinion.) is what has eluded you. Perhaps if you lived more near a city with busy streets and more ill fated small animals….
Anyway , glad you finally got one. In CR they were my muses, but then one figures prominently in my book. Once I was having writer’s block and the largest vulture I have ever seen lighted on the peak of our little “treehouse” and started scratching until I came out. Once I took a bunch of photos he fleww off with the rest of the gang. Just love em. Congrats! Now, could you convince a moose o take a Florida vacation?
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That’s funny. It makes perfect sense for moose to be in Florida, I will work on that!
I knew there was something mystically appealing about the vulture, but curing writer’s block is mighty impressive. It’s funny what eludes us …
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And I thought you were talking about a duck. These are something to watch in flight as they glide on a current of air.Great exposures here.
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Their floating is something to watch. What power to be able to that.
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So many of these fellows wherever I happen to live. They were huge in Costa Rica.
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Interesting – they are still a novelty to me. And were on my list to capture. Sounds like it would be a lot easier for you.
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You and I have a different interpretation of “Stunning Redhead”
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Darn and here I was hoping to win you over with her ruddy good looks and charm.
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Ruddy looks – very good – the complexion of your humour is way to sharp for me 😎
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I like your favorite picture the best too. You did an excellent job of catching the bird in flight at an atypical yet attractive angle.
You may have to go all the way to California, but we have turkey vultures right here in Austin:
https://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/black-and-grey/
On other occasions I’ve even found them in my neighborhood.
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We have them around here too I’ve never got within a country mile of them. These guys were much more friendly. Maybe I looked like l was on my last legs! Your photo with the dead tree is a fitting environment.
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That is an impressive turkey vulture! And I’m sure they would like your description. Playing dead might make an interesting series of photos as the bird comes in for a landing… Be careful though, the fellow might recruit help to carry you away! 🙂
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It’s all about keeping the photography subjects happy! Hmm I didn’t think about the vulture bringing friends – might have to reconsider that one!
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In a bizarre way, they are quite beautiful. Our Turkey Vultures are just now starting to return.
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Yes, they may be a bit of an acquired taste. Say hi to your vultures for me!
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All the critters are beautiful, some just take a little time to grow on us. Not many birds fly as sublimly as the vulture. Nice shots.
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You’re right about the acquired taste but once it takes hold, it’s all good. Funny how there’s beauty where we find it though, as you mentioned, there’s a lot to love about their flying ability.
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I love turkey vultures – she is gorgeous!
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Happy to hear of another fan! They are unusual creatures.
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Hmm… Turkey vultures also live in our home province, Lyle. In fact, while canoeing less than 100 kilometers (about 60 some miles) from our (and your) home community on the South Saskatchewan River, I was treated to the aerial ballet that they can keep up for hours when the thermals are right. You did a wonderful thing in sharing the beauties of the species. Thank you!
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I actually saw some on the way to Pike Lake but the thermals were right and I needed a telescope to see them and not a camera! Aerial ballet is right – those wings certainly help them soar. It must be quite a view.
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I can see the attraction (photographically wise) but they’re not the brawest of birds!
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Well said! It’s amazing the things I find in my lens and find attractive. I surprise myself.
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I have always had a thing for redheads but this one is really special.
Fun Fact: In Florida they eat the rubber off of people’s cars, especially around the seals of the windshields, so they hang dead vultures in the parking lot to scare others away.
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I’m glad you like this redhead. That is a great fun fact. Funny how too many of anything can be a nuisance.
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That’s quite a wing spread. Great photos.
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Thanks. It was kind enough to dip that wing for me to catch it.
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I don’t know, maybe you spent too much time in California. We have turkey vultures in Missouri too but I’ve never thought if them as beautiful; just the opposite. You did show her best light though with your photos, all wonderful shots.
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It’s entirely possible I spent too much time in California but I have this strange attraction to larger creatures. When I look for beauty there I find it. I was wondering if I might be flying solo on this one.
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I was perpared for some kind of bird! Even so you took me by surprise this time! ;.-)
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I’m happy to still be able to surprise you now and then! I was surprised to find this co-operative vulture.
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To be honest, my thoughts went into the direction of a large woodpecker . .
Nice n’ sharp picture, though!
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That would have been good too.
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A true beauty, alright! I love all the details you captured in her feathers!
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If you have beautiful feathers like that it must make up for some other features that aren’t quite as beautiful:)
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