Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: mr.sharp-photo on June 11, 2009, 08:22:20 AM

Title: Turkey vulture or great blue heron? Hwy 404 & Stoufville
Post by: mr.sharp-photo on June 11, 2009, 08:22:20 AM

I've spotted it in flight twice now.  I can't tell whether its a turkey vulture or great blue heron (guessing by the colour that its not an egret).

I see a lot of wing flapping in flight and long legs trailing behind in flight.

can anyone guess or suggest how to differentiate between the two? or are there any other options?

Title: Re: Turkey vulture or great blue heron? Hwy 404 & Stoufv
Post by: Bird Brain on June 11, 2009, 10:10:57 AM

Quote from: "yogistewart"

I've spotted it in flight twice now.  I can't tell whether its a turkey vulture or great blue heron (guessing by the colour that its not an egret).

I see a lot of wing flapping in flight and long legs trailing behind in flight.

can anyone guess or suggest how to differentiate between the two? or are there any other options?

Great Blue Heron ... especially with your comments about the wings and long legs.  

Check out Google Images photos of both GBH's and Turkey Vultures to see the difference with their legs in flight.  :)

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Post by: Soaring Hawk on June 11, 2009, 10:13:19 AM

If there are LONG legs trailing behind the body in flight, then it is a Great blue heron.  The legs of a Turkey vulture are much shorter and will not extend past their tail when they are in flight.  Also, Great blue herons are often seen flying low overhead in a straight line, and Turkey vultures tend to fly much much higher on average, and they like to soar in circles with the rising warm air currents.  

-James

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Post by: mr.sharp-photo on June 11, 2009, 11:30:30 AM

thanks.
i first assumed it was a heron, but today, i saw another one and wasn't so sure.

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Post by: Bird Brain on June 11, 2009, 07:23:57 PM

How ironic, tonight above the Erin Mills Town Centre ... first a Turkey Vulture then less than one minute later a Great Blue Heron.  :D

Jo-Anne  :)