Which bird thermals the best?

On Nov 15, 7:29*pm, sisu1a wrote:
One obvious master of the master class has not yet been
mentioned: *the Frigate Bird.
They not only out-soar all other forms of soaring birds, but steal
their food from them as well! (hence the name, also called Man o'
War birds).

Well, another obvious bird not mentioned is the Albatross, which has
the highest aspect of all birds (higher aspect then Frigatebirds,
which hold the title for the lowest span loading, no doubt
contributing to their ninja-like agility...). Sorry Frigates, but the
Alby is the true unequivocal champion of *soaring, although in spirit
of the OP's question, the Frigatebird may out perform it in a
thermal ... Albatross circumnavigate the globe though, no doubt
expertly working thermals the rare occasions they're available, but
mostly use orthographic and different of modes of dynamic soaring (as
do Frigatebirds) for their constant open water X/C trips, living life
'on the wing' stopping only to raise chicks from time to time.

Frigatebirds are indeed amazing, and are definitely beautiful birds to
share the air with as well as to watch from the ground. So far I have
only soared with Frigatebirds, (Hawaii), but very much look forward to
the day I share the air with an Alby... (not the bronze statue,
although that'd be swell too

They're both Peligoonformes though

-Paul

I've not seen too many frigate birds or albatrosses in Arizona. Maybe
they are ill equipped to survive on a diet of lizards and pack rats!

Mike