The early morning light was soft and beautiful, allowing me to capture these images of a young Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) on Saturday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I am not sure I have ever seen a vulture look so handsome (and maybe even a little cute in the second photo).
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
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Most people think turkey vultures are ugly, but I agree with your comments. I took a few pics of this kind a year or two ago at Occoquan Regional Park and posted them on facebook. One person who commented said he looked at them in a new light (a positive one)…of course another commented how he felt they were the ugliest bird…
Beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder. Some folks just can’t help but feel creepy about vultures, because of the fact that vultures eat dead creatures. It is kind of the same with spiders too. I try to look at things a little more objectively and find beauty in unexpected places.
My eyes are clearly tired because I read the title of your post and thought it said “jeweled” instead of “juvenile” and was then looking for the sparkle and shine on the bird. Oh dear. Vultures aren’t the bonniest of birds but they definitely have a distinctive profile.
Love your shots. The turkey vultures are currently migrating south through southern Arizona and may be able to get some annual images tomorrow.