Which bird thermals the best?

On Nov 15, 5:59*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

An excellent soaring bird has not been mentioned: the Sandhill Crane.
Although I have never soared with them, I watch hundreds of them per
flock migrating from and to N. Wisconsin and Canada over our Western
Chicago suburb each fall and spring. They wait for the right wind
direction and instability (which there is not much of especially in
fall) and climb/run as we do without batting a wing. They go into
formation while running but the flock is without structure while in a
thermal. They are magnificent large birds and their cries are very
distinct.

They are the first reliable sign in early to mid March that the Winter
is on the way out and their sights and sounds are very much welcomed.
Herb, J7

On Nov 15, 8:48*am, Herbert kilian wrote:

An excellent soaring bird has not been mentioned: the Sandhill Crane.

Very true, Herbert!

In Central/Eastern Washington State there's a big Sandhill Crane
migration every spring... We can hear the huge flocks on the ground
as they pass over our gliderport at several thousand feet - loud
conversationalists, they are!

I've never shared a thermal with one, but I've flown near them and
noticed they have an uncanny knack for finding shear-lines and
streets. Someday I'll figure out how to take advantage of those
myself... :-P

--Noel