Turkey Vulture perched in a Quaking Aspen – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The last bird I photographed high in the Wasatch Mountains three days ago was an adult Turkey Vulture perched in an aspen in a smoky haze. There were several vultures in the area that appeared to have been feasting on a road-killed marmot or rabbit on the edge of the road. Most of the vultures took to the air but this one remained behind perched in the tree.
The smoke from western wildfires was pretty bad that day and practically every image I took showed evidence of the smoky haze in them. I am by nature a positive, upbeat person who doesn’t let things get me down for long but the smoky haze does get to me. It makes my head and throat hurt, causes eye irritation, and it makes me worry.
I believe this is the only time I have ever taken images of a Turkey Vulture perched in a Quaking Aspen so despite the smoky haze I can detect in the photo I quite like it. I appreciate the over the shoulder look that I got from the vulture.
Some of the smoky haze has cleared from the skies since I was up in the mountains three days ago and I should feel relieved about that but with all of the wildfires that we have burning in the west I know it is only a matter of time before the haze returns.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Turkey Vulture photos plus facts and information about this species.
He is a beauty. Our winter has so far been very mild. I shudder thinking of the summers to come. And the fires which will come with them.
Great photo of turkey vulture – I love your composition.
Unexpected blessings… the smoky haze acted like a UV filter, allowing you to get excellent color and texture in the vulture’s feathers, which always appear so black that detail is hard to capture.
He’s a handsome one! I’m dreading this fire season. And the next.
Nice image of the vulture. I always wonder whether those warty growth-like blemishes ion their bare skin have any survival value.