There were scattered clouds and light winds for the 4th day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Not only was the Funky Chicken out, but a Diablo, Leopard, Rocky Raccoon and a few other special shapes. A lone Turkey Vulture was perched on the top of the dead cottonwood watching the balloons.
Off Center & Not Even 
A great collection of photos. Vultures always look grumpy.
I think vultures always look grumpy. Thanks, Bruce.
That leopard one looks amazing!
Thanks, Lyn.
Balloons on the Bosque…love them all but especially the ones with the turkey vulture – another glimpse of Albuquerque “behind the scenes.”
Thanks, Susan. The turkey vulture was a nice element.
Your photos are amazing! The ones with the vulture are kind of funny, like he doesn’t know what to do. The one with the fog coming up from the water is beautiful. 🙂
Thanks, Robin. There are geese flying in some of the fog photos.
I missed the geese. I was mesmerized by the rising fog. 🙂
The geese are kind of subtle.
I wonder if they put restrictions on companies trying to advertise their logos here? It seems to be mostly cute and creative balloons, only noticed a few logos, but maybe you only focused on the cool ones?
Hi Tiffany. There are no restrictions on companies advertising. Some companies rent space on balloons for advertising. A lot of times companies have special shapes that advertise their brand. Creamland Dairies has a giant cow that I haven’t seen this year. There’s an owl balloon that is a beer brewery in England. Wells Fargo has a stagecoach. The obstetrician who delivered our daughter has a stork balloon. There are a lot of companies flying balloons, but the majority of the balloons are people who like flying balloons.
“No matter how hard I hold my breath, I still can’t float like those guys”. Misplaced vulture envy.
Thanks, Susan.
Lots of fine pictures, fun to see the balloon photos
Thanks, Harry!
Great shots. I love the unimpressed vulture. Hehe!
Thanks, Inchcock.
I can understand that, Tim!
Thanks, Inchcock.
Very creative people. The chicken is rather special!
Thanks, Couriers.
I do like the chicken, too. Yes, there is an amazing amount of creativity that goes into these balloons.
Hi Lavinia. Some of the special shape are not only creative, but humungous balloons.
They must be really, really expensive, too.
Yes they are.
I’m like a kid at a parade, getting as many helium filled balloons as I want!
Hehehe… To pop, or not to pop? That is the question.
Loving the Turkey Vulture!
Hi Resa. The balloons are like a multi-dimensional parade with balloons all around.
🤗
Great shots Tim .. I can only imagine what the vulture thinks 🙂
Thanks, Julie. The vulture was probably hoping for a crash.
You’ve shown some very interesting and colorful balloons. My favorite photo is the first one with the vulture. It really does make one wonder what the bird was thinking!
The thoughts of a vulture about balloons might make a great story. Thanks, Linda.