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Yumm...Photographer Road Kill


Yumm...Photographer Road Kill
Photo Information
Copyright: ernie leo (ernieleo) Silver Note Writer [C: 1 W: 2 N: 55] (248)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-01-06
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 350D, Canon 100-400L IS f4-5.6
Exposure: f/5.6
Details: Tripod: Yes (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-01-08 6:17
Viewed: 693
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Turkey Vulture - Information Resource http://vulturesociety.homestead.com/

The Turkey Vulture is gentle and non-aggressive. Turkey Vultures roost in large community groups, breaking away to forage independently during the day. These unique birds have a variety of interesting habits

The Horaltic Pose:
Turkey Vultures are often seen standing in a spread-winged stance. This is called the "horaltic pose." The stance is believed to serve multiple functions: Drying the wings, Warming the body, and Baking off bacteria.

Why the Turkey Vulture Vomits:
The turkey vulture has few natural predators. Its primary form of defense is vomiting. The birds do not "projectile vomit," as many would claim. They simply cough up a lump of semi-digested meat. This foul smelling substance deters most creatures intent on raiding a vulture nest. It will also sting if the offending animal is close enough to get the vomit in its face or eyes.
In some cases, the vulture must rid its crop of a heavy, undigested meal in order to lift off and flee from a potential predator. In this case, the regurgitated material has not yet been digested. Most predators will give up pursuit of the vulture in favor of this free edible offering.

Why the Turkey Vulture Urinates on its Legs:
The turkey vulture often directs its urine right onto its legs. This serves two very important purposes. In the summertime, wetting the legs cools the vulture, as the urine evaporates. (The vulture cannot sweat like us). In addition, this urine contains strong acids from the vulture's digestive system, which kill any bacteria that may remain on the bird's legs from stepping in its meal.


The Turkey Vultures Sense of Smell:
The turkey vulture is one of the only birds in North America with a sense of smell. This vulture relies both on its keen eyesight and powerful nose to search out food.


Circling Vultures:
Contrary to popular belief, circling vultures do not necessarily indicate the presence of a dead animal. Circling vultures may be gaining altitude for long flights, searching for food, or playing.
These birds soar on thermals of warm, rising air. This allows them to best conserve their energy in flight. After rising on the thermal, they glide as far as possible before they need to gain altitude again. They also rely on thermals of warm air to remain aloft while scanning the ground for food.
You will certainly see vultures in the air over a carcass, but in the case of small carcasses, the descent is rapid. As for larger carcasses, while remaining on the lookout for food, vultures are equally attuned to their fellow vultures. They note when others' behavior indicates the discovery of a food source, and will flock to the area. Often, the entire group will remain aloft until sufficient birds have arrived to dispose of the carcass in a timely fashion.
Please note, however, that American vultures are not known to circle a dying animal.
meyerd, lemur has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Ernie,
you managed to combine the best picture of a Turkey vulture I ever saw with an extremely witty title: you earned my points and some more! The note is welcome info. Welcome aboard TN.
My best regards to you

  • Great 
  • lemur Silver Note Writer [C: 4 W: 0 N: 52] (181)
  • [2008-01-08 8:00]

I like how you captured the colors on the wing feathers, combined with an interesting pose. TFS.

  • Great 
  • pvs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1168 W: 261 N: 3035] (13835)
  • [2008-01-08 8:03]

Hi Ernie,

A colorfull and sharp presentation of this vulture,I can imagine why its called the turkey vulture after seeing your posting,tfs

Paul

Brilliant photograph! The detail, pose and color are marvelous.

I have a good friend who has reminded me many times about the virtues of the Turkey Vulture. She has also told me about how revered in ancient Egypt this bird is.

We have went together numerous times to photograph this bird in southern Arizona. The vomiting and urination issues about this animal sound disgusting, but it truly is a magnificent bird.

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