Turkey Vulture

Wildlife of Henry W. Coe State Park

A project of Mindbird Maps & Books | Coe Park home | Wildlife index

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

Soaring over Springs Trail on Pine Ridge,

close enough to snap this image without

any special lens.

August 13, 1998.

The most common large bird seen at Coe, turkey

vultures glide overhead in search of carrion. They

seem to be curious, and will circle around the lone

hiker to get a better view—and perhaps to see if

you are likely to die soon.

Soaring over Coe Headquarters.

March 1975.

Used with permission.

Perched on oak on Pine Ridge.

August 1977.

Used with permission.

Turkey vultures take refuge in high trees or similar places at night where it

is easier for them to take flight in the morning.

Here's a closer shot of one from the prior group. It's

head appears to be gray rather than red, marking it as

an immature bird.

Used with permission.

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