We usually call these buzzards, but they're not true buzzard species. That's more an American colloquialism. I got to see the staging tree full of them when I took L.S. to the vet early this morning to be neutered (poor kitty!)--ran back home for sketchbook and camera, which I'd normally have had with me. My hands were full, so I skipped it--happily I just live a couple of blocks from the park that parallels the Fishing River, and I ran back for my equipment!
In Europe, the bird called a buzzard is generally a raptor, or Buteo--here, we're more likely to call those hawks. Our turkey vultures are not true raptors--Cathartes aura lives almost exclusively on carrion, and helps keep us from being up to our ears in death! I'm always grateful for these big, graceful birds, as beautiful in flight as they are homely up close...
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Oooo we! A wonderfully graphic page. Love the different sizes and highlight of the head only a mother could love :) The addition of the blue and splatters is sheer genius!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam! I've loved vultures most of my life...SO delighted to find their morning staging tree!
ReplyDeleteLovely layout and info.
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