Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

Whenever I am up on Pkols (Mount Douglas) or other local hills or small local mountains I almost invariably see one or more Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) riding the thermals while they search for carrion. In addition to their excellent sight they have a highly developed sense of smell to assist them in finding fresh carcasses. These birds are also known as Turkey Buzzards or simply Buzzards. This is a widespread species, various sub-species extending from southern Canada right down to the southern tip South America. They belong to the same family as the fabled Condors. I like this photo because it shows clearly the perforated nostril charactistic of the family. They are called Turkey Vultures not because they prey on turkeys but because of their resemblance to Wild Turkeys.

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

I went to Bear Hill Regional Park recently to check on the spring flowers (Ladyslippers especially) there. When I reached the summit of the hill I was rewarded by the sight of a half dozen Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) cruising on the thermals. Seeing these birds always reminds me of those dusty spaghetti westerns that were the only place I saw vultures during my youth. I suspect this was because one rarely sees them on the ground here and unless you're a bit of bird watcher they are not easily identifiable in the air.