gaggling with migratory birds

In my experience - Most birds are unconcerned about the glider.

However, especially when flying in the mountains it is easy to intrude
on territories and get near nests or roosting sites. Many of the bigger
vultures and eagles get somewhat upset if you do this.

I know of at least three vulture / glider collisions in the last 10
years in South Africa. These are endangered birds, so zero would be a
lot better number. Especially as they are big and hard enough to cause
substantial damage, and potentially endanger our life.

Personal rule is to see and avoid - I will only join vultures well below
them. If they come and join me that is wonderful, and I have had the
pleasure of flying with loads of swallows, the odd Hadeda Ibis, lots of
Cape White-backed vultures, a Tawny Eagle, a Gymnogene and a Bearded
Vulture...
Some birds - for us the Bearded Vultures and black eagles get very
aggressive and territorial - best to avoid for conservation,
consideration and safety reasons. The one I flew with came and joined me
and a couple of smaller vultures in the "only game in town" thermal in
the flatlands.

A great memory and privilege. But not to be actively sought out - we are
the intruders in their space and should be respectful. Let the bird make
any advances - That way we get to retain the privilege of flying in the
protected spaces, because we do not make noise, and scare the locals...

Unfortunately the uninformed, insane, random rule making will continue -
and we need to be careful. Notably the local National Parks guys
randomly imposed a rule that "no aircraft" was allowed to overfly any
part of the conservation area at a "height" less than 2,500 feet higher
than the highest point in the conservation area. Similar reasons of
disturbing the peace, and scaring the birds given. similarly no distance
measuring method was advanced. This of course makes it quite difficult
to operate legally from the runways inside these areas. Let alone to fly
the mountain ridges...

Fortunately some sense has prevailed, but it is not over yet. I doubt it
will ever be over. Only hope is to keep it under control.

Bruce
--
Bruce Greeff
T59D #1771