Turkey Vultures are migrating to warmer climates now so these might be the last photos I take of this species of bird this year.
Close up of a Turkey Vulture rousing – Nikon D500, f10, 1/160, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
These autumn Turkey Vulture portraits are among the most difficult images I have ever taken because I was holding my breath and retching while I took them due to the awful odor of a road-killed skunk below the bird.
I have sat for hours in freezing cold, slithered on my belly through mud and sand, been chewed up by biting insects, been so hot that my own sweat has blinded me, photographed birds while up to my waist in salt water and those situations weren’t as hard as the few minutes it took to photograph this one Turkey Vulture because of the dead skunk that was below it.
Close up of an alert Turkey Vulture – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/400, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The smell of that skunk was so bad that my eyes watered and I held my breath for as long as I could while I tried hard not to gag while taking these Turkey Vulture portraits because that caused my lens to shake. You know it was really bad when I couldn’t wait to get away from a bird. I also hoped for a strong breeze to blow the stench away but it was calm.
And the Turkey Vulture? It cleaned its bill, roused and simply looked around.
Autumn Turkey Vulture portrait – Nikon D500, f9, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I can’t even look at these photos without remembering how dreadful it smelled while I took these close up portraits. It was just that awful. Despite the horrible smell I am glad I stopped to take these portraits.
What is really odd is that earlier in the morning I had seen a dead skunk on the middle of the road and had looked up a video on YouTube to remember the lyrics. (video is graphic)
Life can stink but it is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Turkey Vulture photos plus facts and information about this species.
Going to miss one of my favorite flyers as the cold weather sets in. And thanks for the link to a favorite old song too.
They are remarkable birds, social and goofballs. I love watching them. Thank you for braving le skunk mort to share these gorgeous images!
THANK YOU for taking one…er…several for the team. These are amazing shots. He is one gorgeous TV!
That was one of the most entertaining descriptions you’ve written in a while!! Just a mild bit of skunk smell is sort of pleasant, but I can only imagine what you were hit with!!
What you all have to go thru to get good pictures. As you say “Life is good”,
Before I finished the post I had to look up the words. Definitely stinkin to high heaven.
Thank you, as always, for the lengths you go to for the perfect image.
I know how you feel! Daphne got skunked and I had to haul her home in the car. It still smells of skunk, not bad enough to have the windows open, but still noticeable. I admire your dedication to birding!
What dedication to photography! To stick around a gagging smell to take these Turkey Vulture photos. I’m not that brave or dedicated.
The photos of the turkey vultures are great! Worth the smell 😊
Stinking great images Mia!