Monday, January 3, 2011

New Year Birds


There were over 20 Black Vultures and Turkey Vultures out at the pond celebrating the New Year with breakfasts of dead fish.  I counted 23 vultures but I'm almost certain I missed a few.  Here's what little bit I have learned about these vultures: Turkey Vultures are larger, have brown and black coloring, have a two-toned under wing pattern of dark on the leading side and light on the trailing side, have a featherless red head (except immatures who have a black head) and their wings have a slight V form when they fly.  Black Vultures are smaller, have bare black heads, short tails, hold their wings out straight from their bodies when flying and have a light patch at the end of their wings underneath.

Then again, I could be completely wrong about this.  Please feel free to correct me!  I often think that I am NEVER going to get the hang of identifying the birds I see.  But, my fascination continues to drive my efforts.  My favorite shot is the last one. 



 
 


















6 comments:

Sondra said...

You got some excellent shots of these wonderful birds!!

Snooty Primadona said...

So what is it that makes us love bird watching after the kids leave home? I once thought it was as boring as watching paint peel. Now, I spend hours just trying to get a good shot here & there. I am turning into my mother. God. Help. Me.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Empty Nester said...

Thanks Dixxe!

I don't know SP...but it's true. I walk the dog where I know there will be birds and have started venturing out in the afternoons by myself just to find them. The backyard now contains a birdbath and three feeders. Go figure! LOL If you're taking pictures, you should join Springman's Word Bird Wednesday here: http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/ Every Wednesday people put up their bird pictures along with info and their pictures are amazing!

Breathing In Grace said...

I have a bird feeder right outside my window where I sit at the computer. Right now, there are mostly cardinals and chickadees....beautiful birds, created by...our CREATOR!!! Thanks for sharing such beautiful photographs...and thank you for being faithful to Jeremiah 29:11!! HOPE 2011 is full of lots of blessings for you and your family!

Anonymous said...

Wow great pictures, i wish i was that good at taking photos!
Thank you for visiting my blog.
I am now a follower.
Hugs xx
Pat

joco said...

My oh!
You are SOME photographer!
Exquisite scenes.