Turkey Vultures on the Carquinez Strait

Turkey Vultures are a frequent sight at Radke-Martinez Regional Shoreline Park.  Lately, there have been about 14 of them soaring through the skies, sitting on logs, hanging out on tree branches and resting on light poles.  They are incredibly efficient at keeping the shoreline area free from dead fish and from a variety of small animals that have met their unfortunate demise.  

Despite their unusual looks, they are actually quite beautiful and pose no real threat to humans.

As a photographer, I find them to be uniquely photogenic and amazing in flight.  I have grown to become quite fond of and respectful of these birds. I have also come to learn, that there are a great number of people who love Turkey Vultures as well.