[obol] ability of birds to carry prey

[Donna Lusthoff]

Years ago, Tim Shelmerdine and I were looking for a bird (kingbird?) in
the Nehalem area.
It had rained heavily, and there were puddles on the road at the Nehalem
Sewage Ponds.
We came upon a Phalarope (Red-necked Tim?) that obviously wasn't feeling
well, as it was trying to swim in the puddle.
About that time, a N SHRIKE flew in from somewhere. It reached down,
picked up the Phalarope with its feet, then flew over a wire fence and
disappeared into the vegetation.
Tim decided to try to find it, but couldn't locate it.

That was WEIRD! I thought Shrike feet weren't very strong.

Donna Lusthoff



-----Original Message-----
From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu
[mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Larry McQueen
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2007 3:54 PM
To: 'obol'
Subject: Re: [obol] ability of birds to carry prey

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 


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