Turkey vulture

[PeterAit]

This fierce looking bird visited us recently thanks to a rotting raccoon in the yard. Sony RX10iii.

[Otto Phocus]

Beautiful animal.  Nice shot. I think the background worked well on this shot.

[RSL]

Don't knock it. That turkey buzzard is part of the cleanup crew. They're frequently there along the Palatlakaha river that runs past the front of my house, and I'm always happy to see them.

[Peter McLennan]

This fierce looking bird visited us recently thanks to a rotting raccoon in the yard. Sony RX10iii.

"rotting raccoon" 

Is that Rocky's brother?

[Jeremy Roussak]

Beautiful animal.  Nice shot. I think the background worked well on this shot.

Yes. The tree frames the head nicely.

Jeremy

[Rob C]

How odd; I thought the tree ruined the shot. Maybe that's because I used up a lot of Colorama rolls when I was young...

Rob

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

Fine portrait of a classy bird.

[Otto Phocus]

Be careful if you want to photograph Black Vultures.  Use a long lens.  One of the defensive actions of Black Vultures is projectile vomiting and their aim and range is pretty good.  You can imagine what vomitus from a vulture would be like.  ewwww.

[PeterAit]

Be careful if you want to photograph Black Vultures.  Use a long lens.  One of the defensive actions of Black Vultures is projectile vomiting and their aim and range is pretty good.  You can imagine what vomitus from a vulture would be like.  ewwww.

Thanks for the warning - we've had black vultures at the same carcass but I have not been able to get a shot.