A Traveler and his Cat exploring America.





Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Nature's Undertaker


The Turkey Vulture  (Cathartes aura)


I remember my 9th grade science teacher explaining one day why vultures had no feathers on their heads.  Sticking their heads inside of foul disgusting rotting corpses filled with all sorts of terrible bacteria, the ultra violet rays of the sun sanitize their heads for them.  That is what he said, and I believe everything Mr.Foxworthy taught me.

"What are you looking at?"

This is linked to Wild Bird Wednesday



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22 comments:

  1. TexWisGirlSeptember 10, 2013 at 7:19 PM

    i do like these birds, even with their rather vile eating habits. 'tainted their fault they were made to eat the dead. :)

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  2. Our photosSeptember 10, 2013 at 9:54 PM

    Beautiful photos!
    Greetings, RW & SK

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  3. eileeninmdSeptember 11, 2013 at 1:10 AM

    They are great cleanup crews! I think they are cool birds. Great shots! Thanks for sharing your WBW. Have a great day!

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  4. s.cSeptember 11, 2013 at 1:54 AM

    That is a bird I don't find in my garden. Great shots John.

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  5. NeilSeptember 11, 2013 at 2:28 AM

    Great photos.

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  6. Stewart MSeptember 11, 2013 at 2:41 AM

    I think its important to listen to your 9th grade Science teachers - they are the font of all wisdom, and I used to be one!

    Nice pictures.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  7. biebkriebelsSeptember 11, 2013 at 2:49 AM

    You captured him very well, nice photo.

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  8. Carole M.September 11, 2013 at 3:10 AM

    a great post; very apt title

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  9. MarkD60September 11, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    Can't that bird read? No Trespassing!

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  10. KarenSeptember 11, 2013 at 8:38 AM

    Pretty remarkable looking birds!

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  11. FeliciaSeptember 11, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    interesting post!!!!

    Felicia

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  12. grammie gSeptember 11, 2013 at 10:20 AM

    Hi John... Oh I like these guys!!
    Ugly they may be, but I love to watch the soar!!
    This a smart one to "no hunting" guess he know where to roast!!

    Grace

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  13. AnonymousSeptember 11, 2013 at 11:12 AM

    They're awesome when soaring overhead - those beautiful wingspans!

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  14. RandySeptember 11, 2013 at 7:19 PM

    A face only a mother could love.

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  15. LizSeptember 12, 2013 at 2:34 AM

    "Nature's Undertakers"... I love that!! Great images, John!!

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  16. What Karen SeesSeptember 12, 2013 at 11:22 AM

    Uh oh, he's looking right at you. Hope he wasn't looking at Sinbad and wondering just how sick he really was!

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  17. Wally JonesSeptember 12, 2013 at 8:04 PM

    Great post!

    In our area we have a very healthy population of Turkey and Black Vultures. The Black know the Turkey are better at smelling carrion and fly just above and behind them to steal a meal.

    Nice photographs!

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  18. Anne (cornucopia)September 14, 2013 at 2:11 AM

    That's a big bird.

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  19. Oakland Daily PhotoSeptember 14, 2013 at 8:32 PM

    Maybe he's looking at some fresh meat on the hoof. Run, Dude!

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  20. Margaret Birding For PleasureSeptember 15, 2013 at 3:49 AM

    Saw these birds in Paraguay. What do you mean what is he looking at? He is warning YOU not to trespass!!

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  21. Sandy's witteringsSeptember 15, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    Seems to be making a good job at enforcing the No Hunting or Trespassing sign.

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  22. GreenComotionSeptember 15, 2013 at 8:10 PM

    I have never seen one so close. Thanks for the useful education.
    Paz :)

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