On Nov 15, 10:59*pm, 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

Wedge-tailed eagles are superb. They aggressively push you out if
they find you stopping them centreing accurately. Best of all, they
do it in the blue at all altitudes. They are an unerring guide - just
don't make them feel challenged!

Pelicans are rarer in soaring country but I've seen them up to 6-7,000
feet. They are another species that won't flap unless facing
disaster. They slope soar regularly on the steep harbour shore near
me. Their habit is to move along the slope until they find where the
slope triggers a thermal and then circle away. Given their size (the
747 of soaring birds) they're a lot easier to see than hawks. Unlike
eagles, which just seem to instinctively keep in the best air,
pelicans seem to centre like us by rolling level for a short time and
then rolling back in to a new centre. Beautiful to watch.

GC