Just A Teenage Scavenger Trying To Eat In Peace

Yesterday I was driving home from the grocery store and saw something move in the grass to the right of me. There was a huge bird standing there that looked to be eating something. The grass abutted a church parking lot, and I quickly turned into the lot so I could get a closer view of what was going on. 

As close as I could get

The bird kept me in its line of vision, but didn't seem too concerned. It was more interested in eating. When I got out of my car to try and get a better photo the bird slowly ambled a little farther away. Then when I stood still it ambled back to its meal. I watched in fascination as it bent its neck down and used its beak to pull off pieces of whatever dead critter was in the grass.

I figured by the bird's size and choice of food that it was probably a vulture. Back at home I did some research and learned that there are two possible types of vultures in my area. The turkey vulture has a red head and dark brown feathers. The black vulture's head is grey and it has black feathers. But a juvenile turkey vulture has a dark head and bill. That's my guess of what I saw.

Much better photo of a juvie turkey vulture by Teddy Llovet

 Five years ago today: Smooth Riding