ML269931371

Age and sex

Juvenile, Unknown sex - 1

Observation details

I was first alerted to its presence by 3 ravens going after a "turkey vulture." Wobbly flight style with a strong dihedral like a turkey vulture (when the ravens allowed it to fly without taking evasive measures). Generally a turkey vulture like color pattern, but bright yellow legs, and a feathered Buteo head. I first assumed it was the (now) adult that has been in the foothills a few miles to the north the past couple of years, but I did note that this bird appeared to have a faint dark trailing edges to the wings. Reviewing photos showed the tail was finely barred with a relatively narrow terminal band -- making this a juvenile I think. Also apparent in the photos is fine barring on the flight feathers, and the classic juvenile Buteo feature of darker secondaries and paler primaries. I believe this is a new arrival to the area.

Technical information

Model

NIKON D3300

ISO

200

Focal length

500 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/4000 sec

Dimensions

1742 pixels x 1163 pixels

Original file size

563.13 KB