Is this a hawk or vulture, and is it a threat?

[OrpingtonManor]

I learned to value turkey vultures when I had a doe die giving birth in my backyard. I couldn't get animal control to come out to pick up the carcass for two weeks despite numerous calls. Meanwhile, things started to stink! The stench crept into my house. I could barely breathe. Then the vultures arrived. They were noisy, clumsy, and hungry! When they left each day, the smell was much less. They seemed to only be interested in badly rotting flesh. But, they would come back when the smell got bad again, and, again, feast and leave, allowing me to breathe without gagging. When animal control came to get the carcass there was almost nothing left (except the maggots, and that's a whole 'nuther thread!)

The vultures are very important. I am happy to see them circling.

 

[19hhbelgian]

Vulture, and I must say - AWESOME picture! They aren't the prettiest bird to photograph, but you did a great job!!

 

[Namble]

Ugly bird!

 

[Intheswamp]

Landshark

 

[Lu King]

What kind of bird is it that has greyish-brown feathers with a huge wingspan? One of these circles my chicken pen and then lands on the fence post. I haven't seen it dive at a chicken yet, but it seems to have an interest in them. And it is not scared of us, unless we get fairly close....about 30 feet or so. The face of the bird is not white, nor red like a vulture. It is the same color as the rest of the feathers.

 

[Wooden_Pony]

Quote:
That depends on where you live. It is had to go off of color alone on this one.