I often see Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) soaring high overhead when I am exploring Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I have always been amazed at the way that they effortlessly glide for long periods of time without having to flap their wings. I never really appreciated, though, how massive a wingspan Turkey Vultures have, because the the previous times I had seen a vulture at close range, they have generally been perched with their wings tucked in.
On Thursday, I managed to flush several Turkey Vultures that had been pecking away at something at water’s edge. They flew up into some nearby trees and began to preen themselves as they patiently waited for me to pass. I was quite surprised when one of them spread its wings wide open and then glanced back at me over its shoulder. The wing display was impressive.
I also took advantage of the situation to capture a portrait shot of one of the other vultures that was perched on a broken off tree. I not sure that I would call this bird “beautiful” in a traditional sense, but I do like the way that I was able to capture a bit of its personality in this shot—there is even a hint of a smile.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Very nice images Mike! Enjoyed seeing them! The last image really stands out against the blue sky!
Wow!
Wow! Fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing, Mike x
Great portraits!
Whether soaring or basking their wings in the sun I find them magnificent and beautiful creatures Mike. After all they were designed by mother nature and in the big picture of things her rules do make sense. Great close ups !
They are actually intelligent birds. Nice shots, I for one really enjoy them.
I often saw vultures in the sky when I was in Austria, near to the Italian border.
So impressive to see. Nice shots you made !
I agree that vultures may not be the prettiest of birds, but I love how well adapted they are for what they do! And people tend not to realize how important what they do is.
Both excellent captures, Mike! Their feather coloration is really quite intricate, and yes, that wingspan is impressive. They are also excellent fliers, and I love to watch them swoop and glide.
They are ugly, but efficient at cleaning up natures mess!
The vultures definitely play an important role that benefits us all.