Turkey Vulture

Well, I am over the moon about this encounter. I was on my way to Elk Island and I spotted three dark birds thinking that they were Crows or perhaps Ravens. One post after the other were occupied. Well, I slowed down and was absolutely delighted to find that they were Turkey Vultures.

 

I have only ever seen one once before and at the time did not realize that there was a bird in tall grass in front of an abandoned building that I was shooting from the highway. In processing I found it and am pretty sure it was a turkey vulture. So although I had seen one before I am still considering this a Lifer.

 

In full disclosure, this is a composite of two shots taken after each other. In one shot the head was a wee bit sharper. I wouldn't consider it a focus stack, but more of a composite. Normally I would not bother with something like this, but it is a special shot for me, and who knows if I will ever get a better opportunity this close in.

 

Anyways I am super thrilled. I am not sure how accurate my colour balance is as the air was smoky and the the sun through the smoke made for an orange cast. You can see how the colour is so different on the post from the part of the post that holds a cast shadow from the bird.

Done