Turkey Vulture

Photos of a turkey vulture, Cathartes aura, on the Quebec shore of the Ottawa River near Point Alexander.

2009 June 24

Wednesday morning was hot. I launched my canoe at Burke's Beach on the Ottawa River at Point Alexander and paddled up towards Presqu'isle. There was a noticeable downriver breeze when I started but by the time I reached the mouth of Upper Presqu'isle (~ 5 km) it was calm. I headed over to the little beach where the "secret" portage into Turtle Lake starts. As I approached the shore, I noticed a turkey vulture land just upstream. I headed over to see if I could get some pics. I paddled as close as I dared — turkey vultures are not particularly skittish, so it's a fine judgement as to how close you can approach. I stopped paddling and started shooting. I didn't put the camera down until I eventually spooked the bird. I just sat in the canoe without moving and let it drift into shore, taking 42 shots over the course of seven minutes.

turkey vulture Cathartes aura
turkey vulture Cathartes aura
turkey vulture Cathartes aura
turkey vulture Cathartes aura
turkey vulture Cathartes aura
turkey vulture Cathartes aura
turkey vulture Cathartes aura
turkey vulture Cathartes aura
turkey vulture Cathartes aura

Some guys, with long lenses, can get comely young ladies to pose for them. Me, I get a turkey vulture doing a fan dance.