Something a little different from me today.
I found both of these Turkey Vultures in the same remote area of Box Elder County several years ago but the photos were taken two days apart. I’m struck by how similar they are to each other and how very different at the same time. Given the glaringly unnatural perches I’m surprised that I like them both and even more surprised that I like one of them as much as I do.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
In this first photo it’s the pose and the simplicity of the shot that appeal to me most. In addition I like the graphic line provided by the pipe perch stretching from one edge of the frame to the other. Both bird and perch are completely sharp and in this situation I got about the best head turn I could hope for.
1/1600, f/8, ISO 320, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I like this second shot to the point of being shocked because it contains two elements that generally don’t appeal to me much in my bird photos – a starkly unnatural perch and garishly bright colors. Several years ago I dismissed this photo out of hand, without even thinking about it, because of that pink perch.
But after I found it again recently I like the photo better every time I look at it. For some reason the intense contrast between the soft, natural greens of the sage in the background and the nearly hot pink perch strike a positive chord with me. And the graphic lines provided by the perch are even more complex and interesting than the single pipe is in the first photo. Once again both bird and perch are completely sharp and then there’s the vulture, sitting there in a lackadaisical pose and taking it all in.
Taste is a highly individual thing so your mileage may vary. In fact it probably will but that’s as it should be.
Ron
ive been a turkey vulture fan for years. these are some of the most beautiful ones ive ever seen.
I think theyre young- no warts on their face. they seem to get those as they get older.
which also might account for their squat. which I haven seen before either
again- spectacular photographs.
I fully understand not wanting your photos used–but would it be permissible to send someone a link to the post itself? Thank you.
Of course, Lew. You can share links to my posts anytime you like. No need to ask first.
Love, love, love this bird! Turkey Vultures are the masters of the sky and I never get tired of seeing them hunting or on a thermal! This is the first time I have ever seen a photo of the squat position. Looks like they are resting their feet.
I’ve not commented previously but have been following for some time. One of the things I have realized as a nature photographer and artist is that the built environment is all around us. A pristine landscape is not necessarily a better one if the composition is not thought out or poorly rendered.
I have no problems with man-made features if they are part of the landscape or being utilized as a perch. It’s silly to decorate a fence post with a flower prior to taking a photo of a bird that prefers that post. One of my very best images is of a Western Kingbird hanging upside down from a power line with a huge cicada in it’s beak. The twists in the wire add a nice contrast to the blazing blue sky behind the bird. Of course there is visual clutter that can’t be helped in many instances.The magnificent vistas of the old West are few and far between now and often have some flaws as well. (There could be beetle damage in those evergreen trees, etc.) I’m interested in taking photos of birds that capture my attention, as I find them. It’s great if they have fresh feathers and bright colors, but often they are drab for some reason or another. I hope that these remarks will not be taken badly. I have learned a lot from reading this post and do pay closer attention to the little things that help or diminish the image. Thanks.
TVs are such handsome birds! I like both shots quite a bit — really like the hunkered down poses of the birds. Thanks for showcasing Turkey Vultures today. 🙂
Wow. Most of the posters said everything I was thinking about in the two pictures. I use to see the Turkey Vultures resting on tree branches, I like them on the pipe. Wonder how they can hang on to the pipes so good! Thanks for show.
Trudy, in many areas around here there aren’t many trees to choose from so they make do with other perches. Or even perch on the ground.
I like both including the bright perch, it reflects the reds in the vulture face.
Thanks, April.
Love the horizontal line of the pipe in both photos. Agree with Catherine – #1 is my fave due to the color variation of the pipe and how those colors compliment the bird. 🙂 Beauty is in the eye of the beholder isn’t it Ron?!
It sure is, Kathleen. Diversity is a good thing.
Even a hard working bird has to rest. I love that they don’t give a flying fig about their perches, and the way that said unnatural perches show off their beauty.
Both are great shots – and emphasize just why some of us would love to spend time in your files…
EC, I suspect there are more hidden treasures in my files but finding them is becoming increasingly difficult.
You KNOW that you would have willing helpers… And how I wish it could happen. For all sorts of reasons.
These photos are priceless! Since they’re seen most often rocking and wheeling in the sky, it’s wonderful to get a close-up view of their features — and the bright pink pipe to match the head of #2 has me convinced that TUVU knew exactly where and how s/he would be most photographically appealing. Thanks for digging these out of your archives to see the light of day!
“has me convinced that TUVU knew exactly where and how s/he would be most photographically appealing”
A vulture with an aesthetic sense, now that’s a thought!
I love the first one. The colors are strong and set off by the black of the vulture. And the sheen on his tail matches the sheen of the pipe. As a weaver I think the green, gold, black and silver in this composition would be striking in a textile. The strong horizontal line at right angles to the tail is also aesthetically pleasing. Glad you shared these and didn’t discard!
“Glad you shared these and didn’t discard”
Me too, Catherine. When I took them discarding them was sure a possibility.
Two Turkey Vultures sitting on pipes two days apart. Kudos for getting photos of both.
In the first photo “she” looks quite dignified. The second reminds me of a sitting hen. Perhaps Ben should have chosen this bird for his praise, especially since it performs a valuable ecological service.
“Perhaps Ben should have chosen this bird for his praise”
Interesting thought, Lyle. I wonder what he’d say about the idea if he were alive today.
Great photos, I like them both! Last year on a road trip up the Shenandoah valley I saw one with his wings stretched out drying from a rain shower. He was back lit by the sun, it was fascinating to see & besutful too.
Hope you got some photos of that bird, Theresa.
Gorgeously laid-back big birds! For me, the second photo is a stunner.
Thank you, Sallie.
Beautiful. Not the poses one normally thinks of for vultures.
I agree, Ann. I seldom see them squatting on their perch like that.
Funny thing–the garish colors of both perches really point up the facial
colors of the vultures–the first because of complimentary contrast–green vs.
red, and in the second because the pink/red painted pipe closely echoes
the natural facial color of the bird–and both help to make unusually winning
photos of those big bruisers– a pair of wonderful surprises !
Interesting observations, Kris. I’m glad you like them.
Both are excellent very sharp photos. I hate anything unnatural in a photo, but sometimes the object such as these vultures is so good that it overcomes your dislike of the man made fences, poles, etc. These two photos give you a really clear look at their faces, colors, beaks, and tail feathers.
I notice that the beaks are clean, so maybe these were taken in the morning before they headed out?
Yes, in the morning Everett. Nearly all of my photos are taken in the early morning.
Hilarious to see them perched on the pipe. 😂 Both photos are great and the 2nd one certainly does “grow on you” once I get past the shock value…..😉 The vulture obviously couldn’t care less! At least anyone encountering that railing/guard rail can’t say they “didn’t see it”….
“once I get past the shock value”
That’s exactly what I had to do, Judy. It only took me four years… 🙂
Both photos, because of those garish pole covers, have focused my attention on the unexpected and beautiful colors that are mixed into their feathers. The first shows an amazing tail hue I have never seen before. Love that sort of revelatory look. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Suzanne. Focusing on the unexpected (or at least looking for it) is something I had to learn early on in my photography career.
Can’t agree more Suzanne. This unusual pose and the head colour being brought out by the perch and in turn drawing attention to the bits of colour in the feathers is something new and interesting and makes for a very pleasing shot. Glad you kept it Ron.
Me too, Pat.
Great photos! my neighbor has been entertaining two Black vultures so our research about their mating, breeding, habits etc. has won our deep respect for all vultures. What’s surprising about your photos is how relaxed they are near the ground where they’re more vulnerable to attacks from predators.
Terri, that second vulture was so relaxed I thought it might fall off it’s perch. 🙂
We have black vultures nesting in our old barn, and so we are also trying to learn more about turkey and black vultures. Very interesting birds. And these are wonderful photos!
Thank you, Duane. I envy both your vultures and your old barn.
Such an interesting comparison!
Thanks, Julie.