Big Bird

Black Vultures and Turkey Vultures are a common sight in the Hill Country, and Wimberely is no exception. I suppose they are growing in numbers because the many thousands of new residents and visitors oblige them with fresh road kill as they zip through the countryside.

They seem to be especially found of perching on this power pole at my place, or any place up high that gives them a good few of potential new snacks. See all those white streaks flowing down from the top of the pole? Yeah, that's what it is all right. Bird Turd. Buzzard Barf.

Some day I'll get a photo of them soaring closely overhead, which is considerably more spectacular than seeing them standing in their own crap on top of this pole. Their outstretched wing span is incredible when viewed that way, with every feather rippling in the wind, making an erie whisper when gliding. The volume increases with each change in direction, and becomes more of a roar when they begin flapping there wings after spotting me spying on them. Interesting birds, so despised and ugly in some ways, but powerful and graceful when viewed in a different way.