Three Turkey Vultures Hold Court on the Stones at Natural Bridge
- Location
- Natural Bridge State Park, 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
- Date photographed
- Bird
- Turkey Vulture
On a slope of pale, broken stone at Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, three Turkey Vultures gathered within a few feet of one another. Two held their wings fully open, long flight feathers lit from behind so their undersides glowed warm tan against dark brown coverts. Between them, a third bird turned away with its head tucked low, showing the scalloped, silvery edging along its back. The bare red heads of the open-winged pair were the only strong color against all that gray rock. Vultures are known for this spread-wing stance, and here it turned the rubble into a kind of stage. A Nikon Z8 with the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm lens allowed a respectful distance while still revealing feather texture and the pinkish feet gripping the stones. It is a good reminder at Natural Bridge to scan the ground, not just the sky.
Behind the frame
Nikon Z8, NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens
Explore in: Wildlife & Birds