On Nov 15, 4:59*am, Scott Alexander
wrote:
So in a recent conversation with a greatly experienced soaring pilot,
I was told that Buzzard's have terrible thermaling skills. I tend to
agree with this as it sure seems Buzzards don't get into the core and
stay there. The lesson learned was don't let Turkey Buzzard show you
where the core is, just let them lead you to the thermal.

I thought it would be interesting to ask you good people if anyone has
any knowledge on these issues. *Does anyone know which broad winged
birds have better or worse centering techniques that you can use to
your advantage?

SA

In Arizona red tail hawks are the one of the best thermallers and
turkey vultures among the worst. It may be that the turkey vultures
are only interested in getting high enough to spot their next meal but
the red tails seem to soar for fun. They have no fear of flying with
gliders and it's always a pleasure to share a thermal with one or more
of them.

The red tails usually have the thermal well centered but I have on
occasion had one come over to me when I had the better core.

Andy