Every year, the first Saturday in September marks International Vulture Awareness Day. It’s a chance to shine a light on a bird that many people overlook or misunderstand. Here in Arkansas, we see two species regularly: the Turkey Vulture and the Black Vulture.
Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vultures are easy to pick out with their red, bare heads and long, two-toned wings. When they glide overhead, their wings often form a shallow “V” shape, and they rock gently from side to side. These birds have an incredible sense of smell, one of the best in the bird world. That skill helps them find carrion hidden in woods or under cover where other scavengers might miss it.
Black Vulture
Black Vultures are stockier, with dark gray heads and shorter tails. They’re strong fliers but don’t soar as smoothly as Turkey Vultures. You’ll often see them flapping more often to stay in the air. Unlike their red-headed cousins, they rely heavily on eyesight and often follow Turkey Vultures to food. Black Vultures are highly social, sticking close to family groups and roosting in large numbers.
Why They Matter
Both vultures play a huge role in the ecosystem. By feeding on dead animals, they prevent the spread of disease and recycle nutrients back into the environment. They’re nature’s clean-up crew, and without them, our landscapes would look and smell very different.
From Behind the Lens
I’ve spent many mornings photographing both species in Arkansas. A perched Black Vulture makes for a striking portrait against a blue sky or a weathered tree. Turkey Vultures in flight show off those wide wings and give me a chance to work on timing and focus. Both species test my patience, but the reward is capturing a bird that most people pass by without notice.
On International Vulture Awareness Day, I like to remind myself that even the less glamorous birds deserve attention. Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures may not win beauty contests, but they keep our wild spaces clean and balanced, and they’re always worth a closer look through the camera.