Vultures don’t get a lot of love out there on the African savanna. I mean, they’re vultures after all. But they shouldn’t be overlooked. Especially white-headed vultures, who on closer inspection, are surprisingly fine looking birds. This one was no doubt hanging around waiting for something to die — as any self-respecting vulture does of course. Photographed north of the Masai Mara in the Olare Orok Conservancy of Kenya. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 330mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/2000th of a second.
All birds, including parakeets and chickens, are secretly waiting for us to die so they can feast on our corpses, the vulture is the only one who just steps up there and admits it.
How interesting. Looks ‘petite’ in comparison to our turkey vultures. But I read their wingspan can be up to 7′ wide which is about a foot shorter than a turkey vulture. Perhaps the illusion is because of the close-up. Plumage is ‘pretty’. Just needs a new ‘do.’ 🙂
Pretty impressive birds, actually. They do their best to “clean up” the savanna. Our African guide told us that, in Africa, nothing goes to waste. The vultures make sure of that!
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Vultures don’t get a lot of love out there on the African savanna. I mean, they’re vultures after all. But they shouldn’t be overlooked. Especially white-headed vultures, who on closer inspection, are surprisingly fine looking birds. This one was no doubt hanging around waiting for something to die — as any self-respecting vulture does of course. Photographed north of the Masai Mara in the Olare Orok Conservancy of Kenya. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 330mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/2000th of a second.
They resemble turkeys, but can they fan out their tail feathers?
All birds, including parakeets and chickens, are secretly waiting for us to die so they can feast on our corpses, the vulture is the only one who just steps up there and admits it.
Also, gotta watch those typos Sean.
I had initially mis-identified this vulture. It’s actually a young white-headed vulture. And yes, thank you Louis for the public shaming on the typo.
Thanks to John Winkler for the proper ID.
How interesting. Looks ‘petite’ in comparison to our turkey vultures. But I read their wingspan can be up to 7′ wide which is about a foot shorter than a turkey vulture. Perhaps the illusion is because of the close-up. Plumage is ‘pretty’. Just needs a new ‘do.’ 🙂
Gorgeous and fascinating creatures.
Pretty impressive birds, actually. They do their best to “clean up” the savanna. Our African guide told us that, in Africa, nothing goes to waste. The vultures make sure of that!