Vulture soars over bay
Published April 10, 2012 / by Steve Berentson
My visit to Cap Sante Monday afternoon included the sighting of what I initially concluded was an eagle. Wrong again. Pictured here is a turkey vulture, whose wingspan can reach up to six feet. Outstanding characteristics include the feather pattern on the wings. These scavengers look beautiful in flight, but they win no beauty contests when you see them up close and personal. Another distinctive characteristic is a small, unfeathered head. Think red, leathery. I’ll take the distance shot, every time.
About Steve Berentson
A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.
