A turkey vulture lands atop a dead snag above St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado.

Photo by Kort Duce A turkey vulture lands atop a dead snag above St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a turkey vulture fills the frame as it lands on a dead branch, seen from behind in left profile. Its wings are raised high in the air, with its left claw just beginning to touch the end of the branch while its right claw remains open, ready to clasp down. Its right wing extends beyond the edge of the frame, emphasizing the bird’s large wingspan. Behind it is Colorado’s signature brilliant blue sky. A wonderful action photograph of a turkey vulture in the riparian habitat so vital to its survival.