[obol] ability of birds to carry prey

[Larry McQueen]

I have also observed Pygmy Owls carrying heavy loads, including robin-sized
Turdus in tropical Trinidad.  I have also observed a Northern Shrike flying
with a House Finch held in its beak, and another flying with a House Finch
in its feet.  One would have thought the load placement would be an
important factor in aerodynamics, but both flew unencumbered.

Considering shrikes, I'm reminded that we used to see migrant LOGGERHEAD
SHRIKES around Eugene during March and April nearly annually, especially
during the 70s.  This seems to have stopped, in spite of the much increased
birding today, or have I missed the reports?

Larry


-----Original Message-----
From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu
[mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of pamela johnston
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2007 10:26 AM
To: obol
Subject: [obol] ability of birds to carry prey

While I don't want to debate the Sharp-shinned Hawk load capacity, I would 
like to say that birds are stronger than we expect. If the burden is inert, 
that's a bit easier.

I once watched a Gray Jay fly away with a peanut butter and jam sandwich on 
large slices of bread which must have outweighed it. It kept a grip on it 
and cleared the ground, but its flight was low and sagging. They're 
motivated!

Pamela Johnston 


_______________________________________________
obol mailing list
obol at lists.oregonstate.edu
http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol

To unsubscribe, send a message to:
obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu.