What kind of bird is this?

[Copper]

Yup, they stink!
They're all over sw MO too.

[marymassung]

These kind of vultures fly around my area all the time....probably because we have so many wild deer. They have plenty of food. At first, I was repelled by them but, after seeing them up close many times (scavenging on dead deer or simply sitting in large numbers on bare tree branches), I have come to appreciate their unique beauty and value.

mary

[Eliza]

Looks like a turkey vulture to me :)

I used to volunteer at a wildlife refuge doing rehabilition. We had a few turkey vultures that couldn't be released. If they get upset, they vomit as some sort of defense mechanism!

Neighbors of mine would, ummm, utilize roadkill to feed their family and we'd often see a few flocking in their trees. They are really harmless towards humans; they'd much rather fly away than confront or attack you. And as others have stated, they really do play an important part in the natural life cycle.

It's funny: there are two towns in NJ who have differing views on turkey vultures. One town in Burlington Co. gets distressed because a flock/colony likes to take up residence on one of the Churches. A town in Gloucester Co. LOVES the birds and holds a parade/festival in their honor! If I can find some links I'll share them.

Interesting photos, for sure!

-e-

[Star]

DEFINATELY a turkey vulture. I could tell right away from his red head. That's cool that he was right there though, but they still creep me out.

[shadowsmom]

I also agree with the turkey vulture description. We have them all over the place in Indiana. But, like Blue Jays, I haven't seen as many of the vultures in the last couple of years.

[apuforyou]

i dont know where you live but i think it is a turkey vulture

[hilljack13]

It's definatly a turkey vulture. Other than a turkey and California Condor (which it definatly isnt) its about the only bird with a bald pink head.

Another question. Why do people keep calling vultures, buzzards? Buzzards are another type of hawk or eagle. Just a little pet peev of mine

Traditionally :
In the Old World
Buzzard can mean:

One of several medium-sized, wide-ranging raptors with a robust body and broad wings.
In particular, those in the genus Buteo. In the Old World, members of this genus are named as "buzzards", but "hawk" is more common in North America.
Specifically, in Europe, the Common Buzzard, Buteo buteo, where Buzzard is often used as a synonym.
Any raptor which has the word buzzard as part of its name.

Even though it goes on to mention Turkey Vulture in "The New World" which is of genus Cathartes instead of Buteo.

[Star]

Definately a Turkey Vulture, we have hundreds around here.