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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 |
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