The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is a widespread species over most of North, Central, and South America. It is often a common and conspicuous species and one which is familiar to most people. Like its cousin, the Black Vulture, Turkey Vultures feed on carrion and perform a very necessary service as "nature's undertakers". The Turkey Vulture on on the left was spreading his wings on an April morning in south Texas while standing in a patch of wild flowers. This shot was taken in Kenedy Co., Texas with a Canon EOS 1N and EF 600mm F/4 L lens on Fuji Provia film.

The shot on the left shows a Turkey Vulture (left) perched next to a Black Vulture, for an interesting comparison. This shot was taken at the same time and location as the image above.

The shot on the left, and the next two after that one, are digital captures and were all taken in Real Co., Texas, during May, 2003, with a Canon EOS 10D and EF 600mm F/4 L lens. The head of a Black Vulture is visible on the shot to the left.

The shot on the left, and the next two below it, were digital captures in Hidalgo Co., Texas, in April, 2006. These images were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens.

The shot on the left and the next one were taken in November, 2006, at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Aransas Co., Texas, with the same gear as above. Black Vultures are visible in both these images as well.