Turkey Vultures and Howler Monkeys

An early morning ride into the rain forest together with Jens, my good luck charm, resulted in encounters with Turkey Vultures and Howler Monkeys.  

First we walked through the old Fort Sherman residential area where the roads are slowly getting taken over by the jungle.  The buildings have all been taken down long ago leaving behind only the foundations.  

This time we were fully coated with bug spray and I was equipped with my Nikon D70S with the Nikkor 70-200mm zoom lens.  

Jens spotted some Turkey Vultures just ahead so we got off the bikes, and I walked slowly up as far as possible before they got spooked and flew off.  Such large birds!  Not the most beautiful of faces, but rather lovely in flight.

Turkey Vulture sitting on a fire hydrant.  There were three of them nearby.

I wouldn't want his claws anywhere near me!

Turkey Vulture flying off.  

We continued on and after a stop at the beach and some shell collecting, we rode further into the rain forest until we could hear the Howler Monkeys.  They were very close to the road and were on the move.  We stood and watched as a troop of about 20 monkeys moved through the tops of the trees from one side of the road to the other and then off deeper into the forest.  We were treated to their barks, howls, grunts and clicks.  They are almost as intriguing to listen to as they are to watch.

Howler Monkeys on the Move

The baby holding on to Mom and keeping an eye on us.

Baby on board!

The cojones swinging in the breeze  ;-)