19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Vultures in the Mist

Turkey vultures basking in the morning sun on Isla Santa Catalina, Baja Sur. Taken during an expedition I lead to rediscover Lampropeltis catalinensis in November 2017. This was taken on an expedition to rediscover a snake that hadn't been seen in 100 years. Although we didn't get lucky enough with the correct weather conditions for the snake, several other unexpected opportunities, like this one, were had.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2017
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Santa Catalina Island, Mexico
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © Scott Trageser