Turkey Vulture thermoregulating close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/320, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Mornings have still been fairly chilly here in northern Utah and the Turkey Vultures that recently arrived on spring migration have been taking advantage of the rising sun by thermoregulating to help chase off the chill.
A few days ago I photographed four Turkey Vultures in two different locations and all four of the vultures extended their wings with their backs to the sun to warm up. This posture is also called the “horaltic pose”.
The first two Turkey Vultures that I photographed were on old wooden fence posts and the second two were on a gate to a ranch.
When I spotted the first two Turkey Vultures they were simply perched on the wooden fence posts where they may have roosted overnight. After a few minutes the vulture on the highest post raised its wings and assumed the thermoregulating posture or horaltic pose. It didn’t take long for the vulture on the lower post to assume the position as well.
The Turkey Vultures were close enough to the road that I had to take my 1.4x teleconverter off to fit the whole birds into the frame while they had their wings extended but I also wanted close ups so I took images of both vultures with the teleconverter on as well. Most of the time I focused on the vulture on the higher perch because the light angle on it was nicer.
I like how my close up photos of this thermoregulating Turkey Vulture showed the fine details in the plumage of the vulture and the color variations in the feathers too.
I have many more photos of the vultures to go through so I expect they will be seen here before too much time passes.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Turkey Vulture photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a beautiful study. The overall detail you captured is incredible and the head of the vulture is absolutely spectacular. Thanks Mia.
I like the close up of the wing and the variety of colors in the feathers.
We had a kettle of 30 turkey vultures fly over us at the condo yesterday. Haley said on the drive down to St George yesterday she saw a group of 109 lifting off a field and using the thermals to raise.
During terribly hot spells, I’ve seen GreatBlues doing that..while sitting atop a dam spillway…poor thing even had itz’s beak open to dispel heat….
Vultures are yet another bird we don’t have. I envy those who do – and love this close up.
Many thanks.
Oh what a gorgeous specimen! The feather detail is stunning. Wowzers!
The first one I ever saw was gliding way , way up and I thought it was an eagle, then after watching for a while, realized it was a vulture. The most graceful soaring I have ever seen. Next time I saw them, was on a gate to a ranch. I like the detail in the feathers that you have captured.
I like photographing vultures. Unfortunately, I am not seeing as many as I used to in the Niagara area. Climate change??