A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Cathartes aura
Very large black bird noted for it's ability to use thermal heat from the earth's surface to stay aloft for long periods of time. Long wings held out provide support, little flapping is required. Head is bare except for a small amount of red.
Forests, woodlands and adjoining open spaces
This bird has expanded it's range in central Illinois. As a boy I remember sighting this bird on very few occasions, and then only individual birds. Now they are a very common sight in our area. I even saw one soaring today over the area, two adjoining communities of over 120,000 + people.
Spotted on Sep 21, 2011
Submitted on Oct 11, 2011
No Comments