Which bird thermals the best?

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

Penguins!

Buzzards etc have a much lower wing loading than we do so they'll climb
in small, weak thermals.

With their high wingloading then penguins can't afford to stop for
anything but the best.

Rarely seen soaring, but that's 'cos their inter-thermal speeds are much
higher (Wing loading again), and there's not many other pilots flying in
Antarctica to see them.

KN

"Kevin Neave" wrote in message ...
Penguins!

Buzzards etc have a much lower wing loading than we do so they'll climb
in small, weak thermals.

With their high wingloading then penguins can't afford to stop for
anything but the best.

Rarely seen soaring, but that's 'cos their inter-thermal speeds are much
higher (Wing loading again), and there's not many other pilots flying in
Antarctica to see them.

KN


I think the Golden Eagle should be added to the mix of great thermaling birds. Though not as common as Buteos we often fly with them over the mountains of Idaho.

One should not over look the beauty of a flock of thermaling pelicans with their white bodies and wings with black tips.

Wayne
http://www.soaridaho.com/

Turkey Vultures are excellent soaring birds, but have a very low wing
loading and use microlift near the ground, which is often patchy and
disorganized. They typically don't soar very high because they eat
carrion, which they locate by smell (Just Google it if it sounds too
unlikely). They are generally not much use to glider pilots for these
reasons.

Vultures that locate prey visually soar higher and appear to thermal
better. These include Africa's Cape Vulture and the American Black
Vulture, both of which I've found like to join gliders in thermals.
Most eagles and largish hawks soar very well, as do storks and
herons. Their L/D is actually worse than most modern sailplanes, but
their advantage lies in slower flying speeds that translates into
tighter turning circles and having a very sensitive vario.

Mike

On 11/15/2010 8:50 AM, Mike the Strike wrote:
Turkey Vultures...Snip...typically don't soar very high because they eat
carrion,

Which reminds me...why don't we see Turkey Vultures on commercial airliners
much anymore?
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Wait for it...
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Too many restrictions on carrion luggage!!!



Please...no need to thank me.

On Nov 15, 9:24*am, Bob Whelan wrote:
On 11/15/2010 8:50 AM, Mike the Strike wrote:

Turkey Vultures...Snip...typically don't soar very high because they eat
carrion,

Which reminds me...why don't we see Turkey Vultures on commercial airliners
much anymore?
.
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.
Wait for it...
.
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Too many restrictions on carrion luggage!!!

Please...no need to thank me.

Oh, MY, DOG! Yer' KILLIN' me!
Good one Bob

One obvious master of the master class has not yet been
mentioned: the Frigate Bird.

I have seen them soaring over water on calm days, seen them
wings tucked forward and gliding well into a 35 knt wind. They are
on the wing all day, mate on the wing, not only are they the best
soaring birds by a LONG way, they have by far the best l/d. Just
look at their wing form - they are all about aspect ratio and going
places.

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).

Incidentally, having glid with pelligoons many times in the
Caribbean, I can vouch that pelicans and hang gliders have about
the same l/d and sink rate. However, they are much better at
diving into water, although I did try that once, but it is a hard way
to make a living.

anyway, Frigate birds rule!

bwBB