Around Chicago I see red tails at altitude. Usually it is a quick sighting before they head out but I always fly over expecting lift.

Turkey vultures seem to thermal too low to provide useful guidance. Sandhill Cranes are in great flocks and are easy to spot. Just this year I began seeing black tipped pelicans which are wonderful soaring birds.

The closest I have ever come to hitting anything is the errant corn husk at 5-8,000 ft during harvest season. Very unexpected seeing THAT for the first time, I can tell you. They seem to be unbothered by my Glider and seldom dive away to avoid me. Silly buggers.

John OHM