Griffon Vulture; Buitre Leonado

Description:

I often fly my glider in thermals with these vultures but it is difficult to take photographs at the same time. I have a small camera strapped to my wrist and point it out through a clear-vision panel and hope. It has to be at a wide angle to get the bird in the frame. At least the built-in GPS gives a precise location for the photo. Picture 4 was taken first but the one in first position will show at a larger size and the bird is near the middle. Picture 3 is a zoom of picture 2. We sometimes get very close to these huge birds (literally within a few feet) but they are very good at taking avoiding action. They will often fly just above the wing about half way out.

Habitat:

Soaring over open country just to the north of its montane home.