The American Black Vultures that frequent my area have returned after being away for a few weeks.
Up above I saw a Kettle of Vultures (the collective noun for a group of vultures) circling ominously.
They are not the smoothest of birds, here one landed and almost knocked another off the roof top.
Thankfully everyone was ok.
I spotted this silent sentinel and he allowed me to get quite close.
When researching vultures I learned that the reason they have no feathers on the their head or neck is to reduce the chances of getting parasites when they eat carrion. Makes sense.
I'll be honest, I'm still not sure if that large white spot on his back is bird poop or feather damage. Thoughts?
His backup wasn't far away. I usually see at least 8 to 10 together, except for the family of three I saw at a pond in one of my early blog posts.
I can see the strength and beauty in these underappreciated street cleaners. I hope you can too.
All pictures taken by 