Yesterday morning I was delighted to take immature Turkey Vulture photos at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge along with some images of adults.
I took plenty of photos of the adults, but in this post I am sharing just one, placed at the end for comparison. My focus was on the young vultures.
Immature Turkey Vulture thermoregulating in Oklahoma – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/1600, ISO 1000, +1.0 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
Immature Turkey Vultures stand out because their heads are grayish rather than the bright red of the adults. From a distance, this can make them easy to mistake for Black Vultures.
Having both adult and immature vultures in the same tree made the differences between age groups very clear.
One of the young vultures already had its wings stretched out in a thermoregulating posture when I drove up.
Young Turkey Vulture resting on a dead tree branch – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/1600, ISO 1000, +1.0 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
The other immature vulture was lying down along a dead branch, looking relaxed and comfortable.
When Turkey Vultures lay down like this it reminds me of chickens and turkeys. It cracks me up.
Adult Turkey Vulture on a bright September morning – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/1250, ISO 1000, +1.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
Turkey Vultures may not have the most glamorous reputation, but I enjoy moments like this when they let me photograph them and capture the details that set the young apart from the adults.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Turkey Vulture photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful series of shots. Thanks Mia.
I have a special place in my heart for turkey vultures. Their eyes are so kind.
Turkey vultures are lovely at any age! Thanks for the photos.