(Andy Durbin) wrote in message . com...
"Bill Daniels" wrote in message news:aa4Fc.11095$7t3.8707@attbi_s51...

Most hawks circling low are looking for rodents, not lift.

Bill Daniels


But many times I have shared thermals with Hawks at high altitude.
How did they get there if not by working thermals at low altitude? I
have never been in a thermal with a Red Tailed Hawk that didn't seem
to be trying to optimize climb rate. Turkey Vultures are a different
story. They seem to be happy with any sloppy thermal technique as
long as they maintain altitude.


Andy

Andy,
My theory is that all the large and small raptors mostly go soaring
for the fun of it, just as we do. On occasion they thermal and run
while migrating like the large groups of Broad-Wings (50-100) observed
in September along the Appalachian ridges. I believe that after
catching their prey for the day most of the hawks we encounter just
enjoy the soaring conditions. Some years back I was flying the
cooling tower thermal of a nuclear power plant in NC when I noticed 4
or 5 buzzards circling above at around 5,500'. They got closer to the
well-developed base of the Cu above and then all disappeared
continuing their circle. I watched the bottom of the cloud until I
reached it and never did see them again. Relating the story to Karl
Striedieck he didn't seem surprised and explained that it is quite
normal for them to climb to the top of lift in the cloud and then cut
out to the side. I did not follow them.
They do have a couple millions of years of experience on us.
Herb, J7