Turkey Vultures are thought to spread their wings out for "drying the wings, warming the body, and baking off bacteria."
Beauty and the Beast. A Turkey Vulture hanging out by Chaparral Clematis.
Ready ...
Set ...
And fly!
The darker-headed vulture on the right is a juvenile. See a larger version of him in the next photo.
A juvenile Turkey Vulture.
Ready for his close-up.
Just sing a little happy tune ...
Turkey Vultures have a translucent nictitating membrane--which can moisten or protect the eye while still allowing the the bird to see. The membrane can open or close just as an eyelid does.