41 replies to this topic

[Curlybird]

I think we can all agree that the Turkey Vulture is THE ugliest bird ever, but it is still one of God's creatures, and I got a few good pics today (considering I only have a point and shoot).

[Photgog]

The Vultures have an important role in life/death.  Great pictures can be taken with P and S cameras, you sometimes have to work harder and or be in the right place at the right time.

Good shot for P and S.

Fraser

[Curlybird]

Thanks - yes, I agree with you about P&S cameras - I have been able to take some pretty nice pics as long as the subject isn't too far away.

[lyceel]

I think vultures are cool!  They do look rather ugly from a distance, but I think the closer you get the cooler they look...

 

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[lyceel]

Black vultures, too!

 

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[lyceel]

Not to mention California Condors!

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[Curlybird]

Nice shots!  I've never encountered a black vulture; I don't think they are as popular in my area.

[Bird Brain]

I dunno, lyceel!! Every time I look at this photo it reminds me of my second ex-wife!!

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[lyceel]

Curlybird:

Nice shots!  I've never encountered a black vulture; I don't think they are as popular in my area.

Thanks!

I'd say the Black Vultures are more common around here than Turkey Vultures.  They're also less shy about venturing into urban areas, I think.

[Curlybird]

Since we're talking about vultures here's a pic I took at a zoo; kinda cheating but I just wanted to show you the up close view!

[lyceel]

Bird Brain:

I dunno, lyceel!! Every time I look at this photo it reminds me of my second ex-wife!!

Well, I'm not saying I'd marry a vulture, but...

Oh, sorry... 

[Bird Brain]

lyceel:

Not to mention California Condors!

Great shot, lyceel!! I've yet to see one of these magnificent birds!! Hopefully this year I'll get down into their area and if I'm lucky see and get a photo of one.

[natureboy]

lyceel:

Not to mention California Condors!

did you take that pic?  if so where did you go to find one? 

[lyceel]

natureboy:

did you take that pic?  if so where did you go to find one? 

I did.  All you have to do is go to the Grand Canyon to see one.  There are lots of them there (relatively speaking), and the NPS keeps track of them.  I talked with a ranger who was tracking one for a little while.  Hers didn't get close enough for a photo, but this one was kind enough to fly right over.  That's the best shot I could get with a D100 and my old 70-300mm lens, but its good enough for a memory.

The Condors love the thermals that the canyon generates.  You'll almost never see a Condor flap its wings.  They just take off from high places and glide until they land again.

[zoutedrop]

were you at the south rim?

[lyceel]

Yep.  I started at the village and walked west to Hermit's Rest.  Got back just in time to get some nice sunset shots.

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[Photgog]

Curleybird... this is not cheating to take a photo at the zoo.  A photo is a photo and gives you a record of the bird.  There is a question about whether you can add this zoo picture to your list.  There was much, mucho, discussion on this subject on the "Macaw" thread.

 

Fraser

[Tuggy]

Ok. They are ugly

 

 

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[lyceel]

Tuggy:

Ok. They are ugly

Don't listen to them, guys.  They just don't understand you.  They don't care that you have feelings too!  

Let's see one of those froofy songbirds try to eat some carrion, and then laugh while they spend all afternoon trying to preen the the gristle out of their precious little crests!

[Seattle]

I tried (okay, not very hard) to make mine pretty!   Yup  - there's no two ways about it - they are just plain ugly!