Rondeau Ric

Ducks waddle, Grackles strut their stuff, Woodcocks walk like an Egyptian,  But Turkey vultures rock. 

Cathartes aura The oldest recorded Turkey Vulture was at least 16 years, 10 months old when it was found in Ohio, the same state where it had been banded. SIZE: Length: 27 inches; wingspan: 69 inches

Went looking for a black vulture at Port Stanley, Ontario. Didn't see it but we did see 8+ turkey vultures. Had to do a bunch of editing as it was against a bright sky. Cathartes aura It is unique among our vultures in that it finds carrion by smell as well as by sight. When threatened, it defends itself by vomiting powerful stomach acids.

Had an interesting day out on the pontoon doing a turtle hatchling release. Osprey and turkey vultures cruising by, Caspian and common terns diving for lunch. Waves got up and it was difficult getting off the beach and then the motor wouldn't go into forward. Ended up going about 3km (1.8miles) in reverse back to the marina. Turned out a line had been knocked overboard and was tangled in the prop. Easy fix, long ride. People on the beach stared at us and probably wondered if  beer was involved in out unusual cruise. Cathartes aura The oldest recorded Turkey Vulture was at least 16 years, 10 months old when it was found in Ohio, the same state where it had been banded.

Cruising. , a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr. The garbage men of the sky have such an effortless soaring ability. They can hang in the breeze without a flap of the wing. They can handle heavy winds with there wings raised in a v shape, wobbling in circles to utilize the wind currents. Turkey vultures rock. Can't say that of most birds. Scientific stuff Cathartes aura The Turkey Vulture uses its sense of smell to locate carrion. The part of its brain responsible for processing smells is particularly large, compared to other birds. Its heightened ability to detect odours—it can detect just a few parts per trillion—allows it to find dead animals below a forest canopy.

Here's looking at you, kid. , a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr. When a vulture is staring at me I always think it is assessing my health. Who needs doctors? Scientific stuff Cathartes aura A turkey vulture's heightened ability to detect odours—it can detect just a few parts per trillion—allows it to find dead animals below a forest canopy. The word vulture likely comes from the Latin vellere, which means to pluck or tear. Its scientific name, Cathartes aura, is far more pleasant. It means either “golden purifier” or “purifying breeze.”

Thank you for being my friend. , a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr. There was a raptor show Saturday at Rondeau, sponsored by the Friends of Rondeau. This turkey vulture was the last of the birds to be presented. It kept putting its wing around the handlers neck as if it was giving her a hug. Actually the bird lost a wing in an accident.