Turkey Vultures
Echo Reservoir Valley, Utah
While driving along I-84 near the city of Echo Utah, I spotted a flock of really large birds sitting in several trees along the freeway. They were perched there just holding their wings spread wide open. I peeled off on the next exit and backtracked to the spot I saw them. It turned out to be the largest group of turkey vultures I’d ever seen. There was probably 35 to 40 vultures perched all around the area. I also found the poor deer that died on the side of the road and became lunch for all the vultures. At first I was really disappointed that I didn’t have my big telephoto lens but as I hung around the area I was able to move in closer and closer. They were fat and happy birds with full bellies and didn’t seem to concerned about my presence. I ended up getting really close to them and got some really decent shots with my short telephoto. I didn’t ever find vultures too interesting but this was quite an experience to be but this close to so many.
