I photographed these Turkey Vultures late one afternoon as they came into roost. The vultures were landing on top of Lewisville Lake dam, which seems to be an ideal place for these birds to overnight.
I think the airflow around the dam is what the vultures really appreciate. Wind follows the rise of the dam creating an updraft that the big vultures use to assist them with their takeoffs and landings. It is much easier to get those big black bodies airborne when you don’t have to flap your wings much!
This group of Turkey Vultures was coming back to the dam after a long day of searching for carrion. As they approached the dam they followed the airflow which first leads them low to the ground before lifting them up towards the top of the structure. Along the way they passed close by, allowing many great opportunities for photographs!