P.O. Box 632 Findlay, Ohio 45839 Phone: 419-420-9327

Duane Smith
THE BALD EAGLE IS A MASTER AT SOARING
By Duane Smith
Dec 31, 2007, 10:59

Our area has a variety of wildlife habitats, which results in a variety of birds.  We have larger bodies of water such as quarries and up-ground reservoirs that are suitable sites for waterfowl and shorebirds.  In addition, there are rivers that transverse the area along with numerous ditches, creeks, and runs; plus, there are numerous man-made ponds.  We are not limited to these aquatic environments because there are open meadows, fencerows, and wooded areas.  Two well-known nature preserves are Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve in Hardin County and Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area in Wyandot County.  This diversity of habitat provides a variety of birds and a diversity of flight. 

The subject of flight often comes up when I speak to various groups.  There are three basic types of flight- gliding, flapping, and soaring.  Canada Geese and Mallards can be seen gliding over ponds and lakes as they come in for a landing.  Barn Swallows and Chimney Swifts can be seen gliding through the air as they catch insects in mid-flight. Two examples of flapping are the Turkey Vulture and Ruby-throated Hummingbird.  The Turkey Vulture utilizes a slow power stroke of approximately one stroke per second which can be observed as it flies in search of thermals.  The other extreme is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.  It uses 75-100 power strokes per second.  The third type of flight is soaring.  The Turkey Vulture also utilizes soaring as a type of flight.  Once it has reached a thermal by flapping, a Turkey Vulture can soar for prolonged periods of time riding the thermals while searching for food. 

The Red-tailed Hawk, commonly seen in this part of the state, is another good example of soaring.  Recently, I observed two Red-tails soaring high overhead as they scanned the ground for small rodents, rabbits, or small birds. 
They also feed on reptiles and grasshoppers.  These two Red-tails soared effortlessly for over 20 minutes while I watched them with binoculars.  When I left, they were still soaring by utilizing the thermals to maintain altitude.  The Bald Eagle is a master at soaring.  On September 25, 2002, I observed a Bald Eagle soaring in Hardin County near CR 10 west of TR 105 in Washington Township.  This individual soared clockwise for several minutes and then went west northwest.  I tracked this individual for a distance of six miles as it soared using thermals as it passed out of my sight.

"How fast can birds fly?" and "How far can they fly?" are two questions that are often asked.  The speed that birds fly has long been a topic of discussion and more information is becoming available with increased technology.  Most songbirds fly about 15 to 25 m.p.h. but can reach speeds of 35 m.p.h. for short distances.  Starlings and Swallows are capable of reaching speeds of 50 m.p.h.  A Common Loon was clocked at a speed of 90 m.p.h. as it went into a shallow dive and Peregrine Falcons have been clocked at speeds just over 200 m.p.h. 

The distance that birds fly varies as much as their speed.  Some fly very short distances but during migration some species travel long distances.  The Golden Plover migrates 2,400 miles from nesting sites in Nova Scotia to its wintering grounds South America.  This migratory flight takes 48 hours averaging 50 m.p.h.!  One of the most fascinating migratory species is the Arctic Tern.  It flies a distance of 11,000 miles during its migration but has a complex and meandering route.  Individuals that have been banded in Maine have been recovered in South Africa.  The Arctic Tern may fly as many as 25,000 miles each year during one round trip migratory flight.

Duane Smith may be contacted at the following email address:  gideon@wcoil.com