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To the Beauty of Birds

In preparation for our trip to the Evergaldes and the Keys I purchased Brian Rapoza's book Birding in Florida. We were traveling the Tamiami Trail Route 41 and he recommended taking the Loop Road, paved for the first 8 miles and the remaining 15.5 miles is a dirt road. So we took it. Whoa! The 15.5 miles of dirt road was fifty percent large pot holes filled with water. Halfway through this harrowing ride we were rewarded by a flock of about 60 Black Vultures Coragyps atratus in the trees and on trees on the road (1011) ahead of us. It looked like a bad omen out of a horror film, but they behaved themselves and it provided some great photos. It worked best when we passed the flock, putting the sun behind us, see photo 1023. Up close they have the typical vulture head that only a mother could love.

Many Black Vultures were also present at Gatorland, Orlando, FL. The photos of Black Vultures flying were taken there and show the white tips of the wings.

Black Vulture

Black Vulture 1023 B

Black Vulture 1023

Black Vulture 1148

Black Vulture 1163

Black Vulture 8953 B

Black Vulture 8953

Black Vulture 8962 B

Black Vulture 8962

Black Vulture.jpg

Black Vulture 1011